In Brief
Leapmotor is integrating 800-volt technology, previously reserved for premium models, into its affordable electric cars—the B10 SUV and B01 sedan. This evolution allows significantly faster charging times, making the technology accessible to a broader audience. With Stellantis now a partner of Leapmotor, it becomes plausible that the 800-volt architecture could soon arrive on the group’s European brands. This advancement could reshape the electric offerings of brands such as Peugeot, Citroën, or Opel, which are currently limited to 400-volt systems. The real impact will, however, depend on Leapmotor’s strategy for its European models.
Leapmotor aims to speed up charging for its affordable electric vehicles by adopting an 800-volt architecture. This technology is currently reserved for relatively high-end vehicles. This decision could also have implications for Stellantis’ brands.
A Leapmotor SUV and Sedan Use 800 Volts
As part of a facelift for its SUV, the B10, and the B01 sedan in China, the maker adds 800-volt charging technology that greatly improves the time required to top up the battery. With this addition, both models gain a 3C charging capability, meaning charging from 30% to 80% takes 16 minutes, down from 20 minutes for the same operation previously.
Until now, nothing truly groundbreaking: Kia, Hyundai, BMW, Porsche, Audi, or Xpeng already use 800-volt technology on models sold in Europe. What changes with the Leapmotor B10 and B01 is that this technology is implemented on vehicles that are genuinely affordable.
Indeed, in China, the Leapmotor B10 starts at 99,800 yuan, about €12,800, while the B01 is available from 95,800 yuan, about €12,300.
Implications for Stellantis?
The arrival of this 800-volt technology at Leapmotor could have repercussions within the Stellantis group. Leapmotor is partially integrated into Stellantis after the Franco-Italian group injected €1.5 billion into the Chinese automaker. It is Stellantis that runs Leapmotor International, the European division of the company, and that builds certain vehicles like the Leapmotor T03 in Tychy, Poland.
Now that the context is set, it does not seem unreasonable to think that Stellantis could adopt this 800-volt technology for its future electric vehicles. Whether it is Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Opel, Alfa Romeo, or Lancia, none of these brands currently offers electric cars equipped with an 800-volt architecture.
Despite clear efforts toward electrifying its lineup, remaining on a 400-volt architecture does not allow offering truly fast charging times compared with new market standards.
This might not be a problem for compact electric city cars, whose batteries remain relatively modest. However, for vehicles with longer-range batteries, adding 800-volt technology could theoretically reduce charging times from around 30 minutes to 20 minutes, presenting a genuine advantage.
But before drawing conclusions too quickly, we will have to watch Leapmotor’s strategy in Europe. Will the B10 SUV benefit from the restyling on our market and, consequently, from this new 800-volt architecture? The answer may help sketch the future electrification strategy of Stellantis.
Comparative Table
| Model | Architecture | Base price (China) | 30-80% charging time | Charge rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leapmotor B10 | 800 V | 99,800 yuan (~€12,800) | 16 min | 3C |
| Leapmotor B01 | 800 V | 95,800 yuan (~€12,300) | 16 min | 3C |
| (before 800 V, same models) | 400 V (hypothetical) | – | 20 min | – |
Key Takeaways
- Leapmotor introduces 800-volt architecture on affordable electric models.
- Charging from 30% to 80% drops from 20 minutes to 16 minutes on the B10 and B01.
- Prices in China start around €12,300 to €12,800 for these models.
- Stellantis owns a stake in Leapmotor and already manufactures certain models in Europe.
- The adoption of 800-volt technology could concern Stellantis brands in the future.
- No Stellantis brand currently offers electric cars with an 800-volt architecture in Europe.
FAQ
What does 800-volt technology bring to electric cars?
It significantly reduces battery charging times, making daily use more convenient.
Which Leapmotor models use the 800-volt architecture?
The B10 (SUV) and B01 (sedan) benefit from this architecture in China.
What is the base price of the Leapmotor B10 and B01 in China?
The B10 starts at 99,800 yuan (~€12,800) and the B01 at 95,800 yuan (~€12,300).
Does Stellantis already offer 800-volt electric cars?
No, currently no Stellantis brand offers an electric model with an 800-volt architecture.
What is the potential impact for Stellantis from the Leapmotor partnership?
Stellantis could integrate 800-volt technology into its future electric vehicles through its collaboration with Leapmotor.
