Leapmotor unveils affordable B01 electric sedan

Chinese electric vehicle EV maker Leapmotor has taken the wraps off its latest creation, the B01, an all-electric sedan designed to appeal to younger buyers with its lower price and tech-focused cabin. The unveiling took place at the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show, where Leapmotor showcased its entire range of electric and range-extended vehicles.

The B01 is part of Leapmotor's new B-Series, a global initiative targeting the largest car market segment with a variety of SUVs and sedans. By the end of 2025, the B-Series will see the addition of two more models, the B10 and B05, alongside the newly revealed B01.

Built on Leapmotor's advanced LEAP 3.5 technology platform, the B01 promises a top-tier cockpit experience for its class and offers sophisticated smart driving capabilities with a potential pure electric driving range exceeding 373 miles.

Details released by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology indicate the Leapmotor B01 measures 185 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and 55.1 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 106.3 inches. Buyers will have a choice between two electric motor options, producing a maximum power output of 132 kilowatts (177 horsepower) and 160 kilowatts (215 horsepower).

The base 56.2 kWh battery should provide a driving range of around 317 miles, while a larger 67.1 kWh battery could extend that range to approximately 373 miles. As always, these range figures are based on the Chinese testing cycle, which is far more optimistic than the WLTP standard and the EPA test cycle.

The B01 will be available in eight exterior colors, including a unique "Morgan Pink," and offers two interior color choices. Inside, a large 14.6-inch touchscreen will provide access to vehicle functions and entertainment, with over-the-air software updates keeping the system current. Chrome accents will add a touch of style to the interior. The car's exterior design is aerodynamically efficient, achieving apparently a drag coefficient of just 0.197Cd - that's better than the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S.

Leapmotor Senior Vice-President Cao Li stated at the Shanghai Auto Show that the B01 was specifically designed to meet the desires of young consumers. With a projected price range in China of around $13,300 to $20,000, the electric sedan aims to offer a lot of value. Leapmotor has ambitious sales targets, aiming to sell 40,000 units of the B01 per month.

While Leapmotor has partnered with Stellantis for European market entry and plans to offer six EVs in Europe by 2027, the future of the B01 in Europe remains uncertain. The company's initial focus for the European market is on smaller cars and SUVs like the B10, C10, and T03, given the current lower demand for sedans in the region.

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