Chinese carmaker Leapmotor, backed by global giant Stellantis, has taken the wraps off its latest affordable electric vehicle – the Leapmotor B01 fastback sedan. With a starting price of just ¥100,000 (approx. $21,585 AUD), positioning it as a budget-friendly rival to the Tesla Model 3. The B01 undercuts Tesla’s offering by half while promising an impressive 650km range (CLTC).
Leapmotor B01 vs Tesla Model 3 vs BYD Seal
| Model | Price (Driveaway) | Range (CLTC) | Drag Coefficient | Battery |
| Leapmotor B01 | $21,585 (based on ¥100,000 in China)) | 650km | 0.197 | 56.2kWh LFP |
| Tesla Model 3 | $59,894 | 556km | 0.23 | 60kWh LFP |
| BYD Seal | $49,684 | 550km | 0.219 | 61.4kWh LFP |
Please note that prices may vary depending on your location, as on-road costs and available promotions can differ from city to city.
The Leapmotor B01 is certainly a strong contender for a value-packed EV sedan, but the carmaker has not revealed any further specifications. Details about the battery, charging capacity and performance numbers are still under wraps for the Model 3 contender. Reports suggest a choice of 132kW or 160kW electric motors with a 56.2kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack.
With features like a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and LiDar based driver assistance features, the Leapmotor B01 is certainly positioned as a far more accessible alternative to the Tesla and BYD electric sedans. However, the pricing is also likely representative of differences in performance and the overall cabin experience between these products.
+1 Photos
A new contender in China’s fierce EV market
The Leapmotor B01 enters China’s cutthroat EV market, where rivals like the BYD Seagull, Toyota bZ3X, and Geely Geome Xingyaun are already battling for dominance in the sub-¥100,000 segment.
While Leapmotor has yet to confirm an Australian release, its parent company Stellantis (which owns Jeep, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat) has been expanding its EV lineup globally. If introduced locally, the B01 could undercut Australia’s current cheapest EV, the BYD Dolphin ($32,134 driveaway price).
Following its Australian debut with the C10 SUV last year, Leapmotor plans to introduce 10 models by 2027, including an upcoming B10 compact SUV.
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