Leapmotor B10 Hybrid EV extends range to 900 km

Following the launch of the all-electric B10, Leapmotor has now taken the new B10 Hybrid EV to the Brussels Motor Show. It adds an internal-combustion engine that works as a generator, extending total range to as much as 900 km.

After the C10 REEV, this is the brand’s second European model to use this technology. It retains electric-only driving while making longer journeys less of a concern.

Leapmotor B10 Hybrid EV range-extender system

Technically, electric vehicles with range extenders are series hybrids. Unlike parallel hybrids, in which both the combustion and electric motors drive the wheels, a series hybrid such as the B10 Hybrid EV uses its combustion engine solely to produce electricity and recharge the battery when required. The electric motor always provides propulsion.

Battery, petrol generator and driving modes

The B10 Hybrid EV uses a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine, which starts when the 18.8 kWh battery - offering up to 80 km of range - is depleted. It operates exclusively as a 50 kW generator. From that point, combined range can reach 900 km.

The system includes several energy-management modes - EV+, EV, Fuel and Power+ - each with a different priority for zero-emission driving. Output has not yet been confirmed, although it is expected to match that of the electric B10: 160 kW (218 hp) and 240 Nm.

As with the C10 REEV, Leapmotor’s latest addition has no direct rivals offering this type of powertrain. While the electric B10 competes with models such as the BYD Atto 3, Renault Scenic and Peugeot 3008, the closest alternatives to the B10 Hybrid EV are plug-in hybrids including the Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Kuga.

When will it arrive?

Orders for the Leapmotor B10 Hybrid EV opened today in selected European markets, although the company has not said which ones. Final prices for Portugal have yet to be announced, but the brand stated in a press release that it will cost €29,900 in those markets.