Leapmotor B03: Bargain EV approved for sale in Australia

The Leapmotor B03 has been given government approval to go on sale in Australia, and could soon take on the likes of the BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2 at the price-leading end of the electric vehicle (EV) market.

Two motors have been given the green light for Australian roads: a base 130kW unit, and a more powerful 145kW variant. In European-spec both motors make 200Nm of torque, and both drive the front wheels of the electric hatchback.

Chinese models are also available with less powerful 70kW/150Nm and 90kW/150Nm motors.

Australia-bound B03s will feature 16- or 17-inch wheels. Regardless of rim size, all B03 models will ride on 205/55 tyres.

Leapmotor's filing doesn't detail which batteries will be available locally in the B03, but the closely related B03X small SUV is sold in Europe with a choice of 39.8kWh and 53kWh batteries.

In Germany, the 39.8kWh battery is paired with the 130kW motor, and has a driving range of 292km under the WLTP testing standard. It can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 8.6 seconds.

The B03X variant with the 145kW motor is fitted with the larger 53kWh battery. It has a 382km WLTP range rating, and supports DC fast-charging at up to 133kW. Despite having more spuds under the bonnet, Leapmotor says it also needs 8.6 seconds to bring up the century.

We expect the lower and more aerodynamic B03 to be slightly more efficient and faster than its SUV sibling. 

The B03 measures 4175mm long, 1790mm wide, 1560mm tall, and rides on a 2605mm wheelbase.

Although Leapmotor has yet to confirm local pricing, let alone specifications, it's widely expected the B03X will start at around $30,000 in Australia.

This will likely mean the B03 hatch is priced from under the $30,000 mark. At the time of writing, just three EVs are positioned in this price zone, with the cheapest being the entry-level BYD Atto 1 Essential, which is priced from $23,990, has a 65kW/175Nm motor, a 30kWh battery, and WLTP range of 220km.

Next up the $26,490 Geely EX2 Complete with a 60kW/150Nm motor, 35kWh battery, and 252km WLTP range rating. 

The BYD Atto 1 range also hosts the more desirable $27,990 Premium model that sports a punchier 115kW/220Nm motor, larger 43kWh battery, and 310km WLTP range.

Completing the current quartet is the $29,990 BYD Dolphin Essential, which has a 70kW/180Nm motor, 45kWh battery, and a 340km WLTP range estimate.

All prices listed here for existing models are standard list prices that exclude on-road costs.

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