Leapmotor C10 REEV Hybrid: what it is and how it works

Electric vehicles are becoming ever more common, yet one concern still weighs on plenty of drivers: what happens when the battery runs out? It is exactly in the gap between the promise of electric mobility and day-to-day reality that the Leapmotor C10 REEV Hybrid positions itself.

It is an extra option aimed at those who are not ready to rely entirely on charging points. The idea is to deliver the feel of electric driving, while keeping a safety net for longer journeys.

REEV technology - short for Range Extended Electric Vehicle - is built around a straightforward principle: the electric motor always provides traction, while the petrol engine plays a supporting role, operating as a generator and limited to producing electricity.

What is the Leapmotor C10?

The Leapmotor C10 is a D-segment SUV, measuring roughly 4.74 metres long with a wheelbase close to 2.82 metres. It sits among generously sized family SUVs.

Its design and proportions clearly prioritise cabin room and everyday flexibility, matching what the European market expects. You get flush door handles, automatic LED headlights and, at the rear, a hidden rear wiper - a detail that both improves aerodynamics and keeps the styling cleaner. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches.

Inside, the C10 adopts a minimalist layout defined by uncluttered surfaces. It features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch infotainment display with 2.5K resolution.

The in-car experience is intended to be straightforward and intuitive, with accessible tech and no unnecessary complication, consistent with Leapmotor’s positioning. Space - particularly in the rear seats - is designed to suit family use.

How does the Leapmotor C10 REEV Hybrid work?

From a technical perspective, the Leapmotor C10 REEV Hybrid is an extended-range SUV that pairs electric driving with a petrol-powered generator. It is based on an electric architecture with a traction motor producing around 170 kW (approximately 231 hp), and this motor is always the one that drives the vehicle.

Energy comes from a 28.4 kWh battery, which is quoted to provide up to 145 km of WLTP range in 100% electric mode.

When the battery charge drops below a certain threshold, a 1.5-litre petrol engine starts up. It is paired with a 50-litre fuel tank and its sole job is to generate electricity to feed the system.

Crucially, this engine is not mechanically connected to the wheels. Instead, it functions only as a range extender, which sets it apart from conventional hybrids. Combined range can reach up to 970 km, achieved by blending the battery’s stored energy with the generator’s continuous output.

The C10 REEV Hybrid supports AC charging up to 6.6 kW and DC charging up to about 65 kW. It can go from 30% to 80% charge in around 18 minutes.

Prices in Portugal

In Portugal, the Leapmotor C10 REEV Hybrid starts at 34,600 euros. That figure places it in a competitive area of the market, particularly given the technical proposition on offer.