Leapmotor T03 Price Cut Makes Chinese EV the Cheapest in UK
A £3,000 reduction brings the Leapmotor T03 to £12,995, positioning it as the most affordable electric vehicle on the UK market.
The Leapmotor T03, a compact four-seater electric vehicle from China, has seen its price tag reduced by £3,000, making it the most affordable new EV available in the UK. The new price of £12,995 is a result of an increased 'Leap-Grant' offered by the manufacturer, acting as an alternative to the UK Government's Electric Car Grant, which the T03 is not eligible for.
This marks the second price reduction for the T03. The initial discount of £1,500 was doubled, bringing the price down from £14,495. A year prior, the T03 was reduced from £15,995, undercutting the Dacia Spring EV's price of £15,990 at the time. The latest price adjustment, effective for all models purchased after July 1, is not permanent but is part of an effort to stimulate sales amidst a potential EV price war.
Leapmotor, which is majority-owned by Stellantis (the parent company of Peugeot, Citroen, and Fiat), markets the T03 as a city-friendly EV. The five-door vehicle offers an electric range of 165 miles, suitable for urban commuting. Despite its compact size of 3.62 meters, its upright design allows it to accommodate four passengers. Standard features include a 10-inch touchscreen, voice control, in-vehicle Wi-Fi, a panoramic sunroof, and a 210-litre boot. It also comes equipped with ten advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
The T03's powertrain delivers 94bhp, enabling a 0-62mph acceleration time of 12.7 seconds, which is deemed adequate for city driving. Leapmotor UK managing director Damien Dally stated that the enhanced Leap-Grant aims to provide simplicity and financial savings for customers, positioning the T03 as not only the most affordable new EV but also the most affordable new car in the UK, with a strong offering in terms of technology and specification.
In comparison, the Dacia Spring is the second cheapest new EV in the UK, starting at £15,990. The Spring, owned by Renault, offers four seats, a 308-litre boot, and an estimated city range of 195 miles, which can drop to around 140 miles in mixed driving conditions. The recently restyled Spring features a 10-inch central screen, a seven-inch driver display, and tinted windows.