The Leapmotor B10 manufactured in Europe: good news for French buyers
This represents a new step forward in the closer relationship between Stellantis and Leapmotor. The automotive group has officially announced the start of production for the electric SUV B10 at its factory in Saragossa, Spain. This strategic move may also allow the Chinese model to benefit from France’s enhanced EU subsidy, provided it meets the eligibility criteria.
After several months of preparation, this is now a reality. The Leapmotor B10 has officially left the production lines at Stellantis’ factory in Saragossa, Spain. It is a symbolic milestone for both partners, but more importantly, it illustrates the growing presence of Chinese automakers in Europe’s automotive industry.
The B10 joins the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa
It is at the factory in Figueruelas, near Zaragoza, that Stellantis has chosen to locate the production of its Chinese partner. This facility already assembles several models well-known to European drivers: the Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa, and Lancia Ypsilon. For Stellantis, the advantages are quite clear. The group possesses industrial capabilities and expertise that Leapmotor can leverage to accelerate its expansion in Europe.
The Chinese manufacturer brings its technologies and expertise in developing affordable electric vehicles. The B10 is indeed a strategic model. At 4.52 meters long, this electric SUV delivers 218 horsepower and comes with two battery options that enable ranges of 361 to 434 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. In France, its price starts at less than 30,000 euros. These are compelling advantages!
A partnership that could go much further
But this collaboration won’t stop at the B10. Last May, Stellantis and Leapmotor already mentioned their intention to strengthen their industrial ties. Among the planned projects is the production of a new Opel electric SUV in Zaragoza, potentially starting as early as 2028. This vehicle could use components from Leapmotor’s ecosystem to reduce manufacturing costs. Another model from the Chinese brand might also be produced at Stellantis’ factory in Madrid.
EEA Incentive?
This Spanish-made vehicle is likely to have significant implications for French drivers. The Leapmotor B10 is already expected to be exempt from the 30.7% tax imposed by the European Union on electric cars imported from China. But that’s not all. By now being assembled in Europe, the Leapmotor B10 also meets the criteria for receiving the enhanced EU subsidy, reserved for electric vehicles that fulfill certain European production requirements.
It could therefore benefit from an additional boost, provided that the cells in its battery are also manufactured within the European Economic Area and that the model receives the necessary regulatory approvals. In short, nothing is confirmed for now. But potential eligibility for this subsidy would represent an extra advantage for this Chinese electric SUV. The grant ranges from about 3,600 to 6,100 euros, which would make the price even more competitive.
With this partnership, Stellantis is no longer merely distributing Chinese cars in Europe. The group is now directly involved in their production. And this change could signal a deeper transformation of its industrial model.