Leapmotor’s Bold Leap: Smart-Driving EVs Hit Europe in 2026!

A Game-Changing Move in the Electric Vehicle Race

Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) and its Chinese partner Leapmotor (HK:9863) are gearing up to revolutionize the European electric vehicle market with the introduction of advanced smart-driving technologies in 2026. This ambitious plan, revealed by Leapmotor’s Senior Vice President Cao Li in an exclusive Reuters interview, marks the first concrete timeline from a Chinese automaker to deploy cutting-edge driver-assistance systems outside China. As the global race for dominance in the hyper-competitive electric vehicle (EV) and long-range hybrid sector intensifies, Leapmotor’s strategy could redefine affordable autonomous driving in Europe. With the B10 crossover leading the charge and a dedicated European research team in the works, this move promises to blend affordability with high-tech innovation, positioning Leapmotor as a formidable contender against giants like BYD, Tesla, and European stalwarts such as Volkswagen and Mercedes.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment. Chinese automakers are aggressively expanding their global footprint, leveraging cost advantages and technological prowess to challenge established players. Leapmotor, backed by a $1.6 billion investment from Stellantis in 2023, is capitalizing on this momentum through Leapmotor International, a joint venture where Stellantis holds a 51% stake. This partnership not only amplifies Leapmotor’s production and distribution capabilities but also signals a strategic alignment to penetrate Europe’s lucrative EV market. The focus on smart-driving technologies, particularly Level 3 autonomy, underscores a broader industry trend where autonomous features are becoming a key differentiator in the electric vehicle landscape.

Leapmotor B10: Affordable Smart-Driving SUV for Europe

At the heart of Leapmotor’s European expansion is the B10 crossover, a vehicle poised to deliver Level 3 autonomy at a price point that could disrupt the market. Already available for pre-sales in China, the B10 starts at $15,115, with a lidar-equipped variant featuring urban navigation capabilities priced at $17,870. Cao Li emphasized that an over-the-air (OTA) software update, slated for late 2025 in China, will equip the B10 with urban navigation autopilot features akin to Level 3 autonomy. This level of autonomy allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel under specific conditions, provided they remain ready to intervene when prompted, a significant leap from Level 2 systems like Tesla’s current offerings, which demand constant driver attention.

For Europe, Leapmotor plans to roll out the B10 in 2026, with production likely centered in Spain. Reports suggest a $200 million investment to retrofit a Stellantis factory in Zaragoza, leveraging local manufacturing to qualify for government subsidies and mitigate EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. While Spain is the frontrunner, alternative sites like Slovakia and Germany remain under consideration, reflecting the complex interplay of economic incentives and political dynamics. The B10’s European pricing is expected to hover below $31,700, making it a direct competitor to models like the BYD Atto 3 and Kia e-Niro, while offering advanced smart-driving features typically reserved for premium brands.

Leapmotor’s technological edge lies in its LEAP 3.5 architecture, which powers the B10 with a Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8650 chip delivering 200 TOPS of computing power. This hardware, combined with lidar and AI-driven navigation, enables autonomous lane changes, overtaking, and obstacle avoidance without reliance on high-definition maps. Such capabilities, enhanced through OTA updates, position the B10 as a forward-thinking option for tech-savvy European consumers seeking affordable electric vehicles with smart-driving technology.

European R&D: Tailoring Autonomy to Local Roads

Adapting smart-driving systems to Europe’s diverse road conditions and regulatory frameworks is no small feat, and Leapmotor is tackling this challenge head-on. Cao Li highlighted the need for extensive data collection and localized algorithm training, noting that overseas road conditions and traffic rules differ markedly from those in China. To address this, Leapmotor will establish a dedicated research and development team in Europe, though the exact location remains undisclosed. This team will focus on refining self-driving algorithms using real-world data from European roads, ensuring compliance with local regulations and optimizing performance for varied driving environments.

This strategic move underscores a critical insight: success in Europe hinges on more than just importing technology. It requires a deep understanding of regional nuances, from narrow urban streets to high-speed autobahns, and adherence to stringent safety standards. By investing in localized R&D, Leapmotor aims to bridge the gap between its Chinese-developed systems and European expectations, a step that could give it an edge over competitors who rely solely on exported solutions.

Competitive Landscape: The Race for Autonomous EVs

Leapmotor’s European ambitions unfold against a backdrop of fierce competition in the electric vehicle and autonomous driving space. Chinese rivals like BYD are pushing affordable EVs with autonomous highway driving and parking assistance, while Zeekr and Xpeng have unveiled plans for Level 3 autonomy in global markets. Tesla, a dominant force in the EV sector, is also eyeing Europe with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, though its current offerings remain at Level 2. Meanwhile, European automakers are not standing still. Volkswagen has partnered with Valeo and Mobileye to advance assisted and autonomous driving, and Mercedes is collaborating with Momenta and Nvidia to bring similar capabilities to its lineup.

What sets Leapmotor apart is its blend of affordability and advanced technology, a combination that could resonate with cost-conscious European buyers. The B10’s projected price point, coupled with Level 3 autonomy, positions it as a value-driven alternative to pricier options from Tesla or Mercedes. However, regulatory hurdles loom large. In China, OTA updates for autonomous driving features require approval from the industry ministry one to two months in advance, a process that delayed Tesla’s FSD rollout. Europe’s regulatory landscape, with its emphasis on safety and data privacy, may pose similar challenges, necessitating careful navigation by Leapmotor and Stellantis.

Production and Expansion Plans

Spain’s emergence as the likely production hub for the B10 reflects a calculated strategy to localize manufacturing and leverage Stellantis’ existing infrastructure. The Zaragoza facility, already a Stellantis production site, offers a cost-effective base to scale output while aligning with EU trade policies. This decision follows earlier considerations of Poland’s Tychy plant, abandoned amid political tensions over EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. By producing in Europe, Leapmotor aims to sidestep import duties and tap into regional subsidies, enhancing its competitive pricing.

Beyond the B10, Leapmotor is set to unveil a second model in its B series at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2026, signaling a robust pipeline of smart-driving electric vehicles. This expansion builds on Leapmotor International’s initial rollout of the T03 and C10 models in nine European countries starting September 2024, with plans to reach 500 sales points by 2026. Stellantis’ distribution network provides a critical advantage, amplifying Leapmotor’s ability to penetrate markets like France, Germany, and Italy.

Market Impact and Consumer Benefits

Leapmotor’s entry into Europe with smart-driving electric vehicles could reshape the EV market, offering consumers affordable access to technology once reserved for luxury brands. The B10’s combination of lidar, AI-driven navigation, and a sub-$31,700 price tag addresses a growing demand for eco-friendly transportation with advanced features. For drivers, Level 3 autonomy promises reduced fatigue on long journeys and enhanced safety in urban settings, while OTA updates ensure the vehicle evolves over time.

This move also carries broader implications for the industry. By setting a precedent for affordable autonomous EVs, Leapmotor may pressure competitors to accelerate their own offerings, driving innovation and affordability across the sector. For Stellantis, the partnership bolsters its position in the EV race, diversifying its portfolio and strengthening its foothold in Europe’s green transition.

Tables for Enhanced Understanding

To provide clarity on Leapmotor’s plans and competitive positioning, the following tables summarize key details:

Model	Launch Timeline	Autonomy Level	Key Features	Production Location
B10	2026 (Europe)	Level 3	Lidar, urban navigation, AI chips	Likely Spain (Zaragoza)

Competitor	Autonomy Plans	Market Focus
BYD	Autonomous highway, parking	Affordable EVs
Zeekr	Level 3 autonomy	Global, including Europe
Xpeng	Level 3 autonomy	Global expansion
Tesla	Full Self-Driving (Level 2 now)	Europe rollout planned
Volkswagen	Assisted and autonomous	European market
Mercedes	Advanced driving systems	Premium European EVs

Leapmotor’s bold push into Europe with the B10 and beyond reflects a meticulously crafted strategy to blend affordability, technology, and local adaptation. As the 2026 rollout approaches, all eyes will be on how this Chinese automaker navigates the complexities of the European market, potentially setting a new standard for what consumers expect from electric vehicles with smart-driving capabilities.

Key Citations

• Leapmotor International Begins Operations
• China's Leapmotor Aims for Europe Smart-Driving Rollout in 2026
• Leapmotor B10 Makes Global Debut at the Paris Motor Show
• Leapmotor Launches B10 Electric SUV Offering Lidar
• Leapmotor B10 Expected to Start Production in Spain
• Stellantis-Backed Leapmotor B10 Revealed Specs
• Leapmotor Starts Pre-Sale for B10 Model
• Leapmotor International Ships First Batch to Europe