Electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor plans to eliminate the 12-volt battery

Image: Leapmotor (representative image)

Electric vehicles typically use a conventional 12-volt auxiliary battery in addition to a high-capacity drive battery. This auxiliary battery supplies power to control units, lighting, windshield wipers, and safety systems, as well as activates the high-voltage system when the vehicle starts. According to the Handelsblatt, Chinese automaker Leapmotor now plans to eliminate this separate battery.

The “CTC 3.0 High-Low Fusion Battery” technology, set to be deployed starting in 2027, aims to integrate the functions of the onboard battery directly into the large vehicle battery pack. In this system, high-voltage and low-voltage power supplies share the same cells and modules. Additionally, a common thermal management system and unified energy distribution are planned.

By eliminating the separate battery, Leapmotor expects fewer components and reduced maintenance efforts, as there is no need to replace an aging onboard battery. According to ADAC, 12-volt battery problems were among the most common causes of failures in electric cars in 2025.

Details about the new technology are not yet known. The manufacturer has provided no specific information regarding weight or cost savings, nor how redundant power supply to the onboard system is ensured in case of a high-voltage system failure. Leapmotor is currently expanding its presence in Europe, working closely with the European 14-brand conglomerate Stellantis as a partner and shareholder.

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About the author

Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.

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