Stellantis to Integrate Leapmotor REx Technology Across European Brands

Stellantis is advancing its technological partnership with Chinese automaker Leapmotor by integrating Range-extender Electric Vehicle (REx) technology across its core European brands, including Opel, Citroën, Peugeot, DS, and Fiat. Leapmotor International CEO Tianshu Xin characterized the REx system as a practical interim solution to address consumer range concerns until the European electric vehicle charging infrastructure matures. The REx technology employs a small gasoline engine exclusively as an onboard generator to recharge the battery during electric-only driving, thereby extending operational range.

This collaboration extends beyond powertrain development into manufacturing cooperation, a crucial element for navigating the current European automotive market, which experienced a contraction in pure electric vehicle sales in 2024 alongside a more than 20% growth in hybrid sales. A key aspect of this synergy is the planned production of the Leapmotor B10 model at Stellantis’ Figueruelas plant near Zaragoza, Spain, scheduled to begin in August 2026. This initial production run for the B10 electric crossover is set at an annual volume of 40,000 units, with potential for upward revision based on market performance.

The partnership structure is also designed to circumvent substantial European Union tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which can exceed 30%, by localizing assembly within the EU. Supporting this localized manufacturing effort, Lieder Automotive, a new entity formed by Fagor Ederlan and Duoli Technology, is establishing a facility in Borja, Spain, to produce the chassis for the Leapmotor B10. This chassis production site is slated to commence operations in July 2026, featuring 14 production lines and approximately 170 planned jobs, which will supply structural components directly to the Stellantis assembly line.

Stellantis’ involvement in Leapmotor is formalized through Leapmotor International, a joint venture where Stellantis holds a controlling 51% stake, granting it exclusive rights to export, sell, and manufacture Leapmotor products outside of Greater China. The Leapmotor C10 REx model, which informed this technology transfer, reportedly achieves a total range up to 950 kilometers and reports CO2 emissions as low as 10 grams per kilometer. Future manufacturing integration is confirmed to expand, with plans to introduce three additional Leapmotor models—the B05, A10, and A05—at the Figueruelas plant by 2027, pending European demand.

This multi-faceted collaboration represents a pragmatic industrial strategy by Stellantis to address immediate market hesitation toward Battery Electric Vehicles by leveraging proven hybrid technology from an agile partner, while simultaneously building local European manufacturing capacity. Leapmotor International has also established a goal to deploy 500 sales and service points across Europe by the close of 2026.