Leapmotor B10 Unveils Engine, Dispelling Plug-In Hybrid Speculation
The Leapmotor B10 Hybrid EV uses a petrol generator rather than a plug-in hybrid layout. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine serves only as a 50kW electricity generator. This detail is dispelling speculation about the car being a conventional PHEV.
Why Leapmotor chose a range extender
Leapmotor says range extenders helped ease range anxiety in China. COO Tianshu Xin linked the choice to limited charging infrastructure during early EV adoption. The company previously applied the system to the C10 Reev, now renamed the C10 Hybrid EV.
Key specifications
The Hybrid EV keeps the B10 powertrain output of 216hp. Drive is to the rear wheels. Top speed is 106mph and 0-62mph takes 7.5 seconds.
The battery capacity is 18.8kWh, compared with 67.1kWh in the full EV B10. The pure-electric WLTP range for the Hybrid EV is 50 miles. The EV model manages 270 miles on a full charge.
The petrol unit connects to a 50-litre fuel tank. With the tank full, the official combined range is 559 miles. Fast charging is rated at 46kW, with 30-80 percent taking about 30 minutes.
Driving impressions
Filmogaz.com tested the car on roads around Rome. The Hybrid EV behaves like an electric car in most situations. Acceleration is smooth and linear because the engine never transmits drive to the wheels.
The petrol generator maintains a steady hum under load. The sound remains constant regardless of throttle input. Handling is composed but not sporty, and steering lacks feedback.
Ride quality proved unsettled at times. The suspension feels softly sprung and sometimes wallows. This may affect comfort on rougher surfaces.
Energy management and controls
Regenerative braking offers three selectable levels. Acceleration intensity and steering also have three settings each. All such functions are adjusted through the central touchscreen menus.
That touchscreen is a 14.6-inch unit. It is sharp and responsive, but many functions hide behind deep menus. Physical controls are currently minimal.
Interior and practicality
The cabin is spacious and minimalist. Soft plastics cover main touchpoints and rear legroom is generous. Passenger comfort favors lounging rather than sporty seating positions.
Boot capacity is 330 litres, which is 100 litres less than the standard B10. There is ample cubby storage throughout the cabin. Leapmotor offers customisable aftermarket Bluetooth buttons in China and seeks European approval for them.
Standard equipment
- Electronically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats
- Electric tailgate
- Panoramic roof
- Wireless phone charging
- Heated steering wheel
Pricing and rivals
The B10 Hybrid EV is priced at £31,495 in the UK market. The fully electric B10 carries a LEAP-GRANT discount of £1,500, reducing its price to £29,995. The Hybrid EV is not included in that discount.
Direct rivals in Europe are mostly plug-in hybrids. Affordable competitors include the MG HS and the BYD Atto 2 DM-I. The larger Leapmotor C10 Hybrid EV offers more space and range for only a modest price increase.
Verdict
The range-extender approach offers a practical solution to range anxiety. The B10 Hybrid EV combines electric-drive refinement with extended real-world range. It needs firmer ride tuning and more tactile controls to fully compete with plug-in hybrids.
