Leapmotor’s range extender technology could end up in cars from Peugeot and Fiat

jump motorwhich only sells electrified vehicles, can share its range extender EV technology with partners Stellarwhich has a bewildering variety of car brands, ranging from Peugeot and Fiat to Maserati.

Tianshu Xin, head of Leapmotor International and chief operating officer of Stellantis China, said Autocar that Leapmotor and Stellantis are exploring what technologies can be shared between the two automakers.

In 2023, Stellantis acquired a 21% stake in Leapmotor for US$1.5 billion (AUD$2.2 billion). As part of the agreement, the Leapmotor International division, majority owned by Stellantis, was created to export vehicles to Europe, Australia and other markets outside of China.

Despite the close relationship between the two companies, Leapmotor vehicles use their own platforms, engines, engines and propulsion technologies. Founded in 2015, Leapmotor’s range consists exclusively of battery electric vehicles (EVs) and range extended electric vehicles (EREVs), which feature a small internal combustion engine that assists in recharging the main battery.

“Range extender is a good technology and we are also exploring the possibility of using it in other portfolios,” said Mr. Xin.

Brands sold by Stellantis in Europe include Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel/Vauxhall, Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Jeep.

With the majority of the company’s European product range running on just three platforms (CMP, Smart Car and STLA Medium), adapting one of them to Leapmotor’s range extender technology could open up this powertrain type to a whole range of Stellantis brands that are expanding their petrol and diesel offerings, primarily through hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains.