Leapmotor T03

If you’re hunting for an affordable electric car that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Leapmotor T03 might just be the clever choice you’ve overlooked. This compact Chinese EV is making waves in Europe with its surprisingly usable range, peppy city performance, and a price tag that undercuts most rivals. Forget the bare-bones experience you might expect at this price—the T03 is here to prove that budget EVs can still be practical and even a little fun.

Leapmotor T03 Has Enough Range for Real Life

One of the biggest worries with cheap electric cars is range anxiety, but the T03 manages to deliver a respectable 265 km (WLTP) on a single charge. That’s enough for a week of city commutes or even the occasional short highway trip. The 37.3 kWh battery isn’t groundbreaking, but it supports DC fast charging, meaning you can top up from 30% to 80% in just 36 minutes—handy if you’re in a hurry.

And don’t let its cute, boxy shape fool you—the T03 has a bit of spirit. Its 71 kW (95 hp) electric motor won’t win drag races, but with 0-100 km/h in 12,7 seconds, it’s quick off the line in stop-and-go traffic. The top speed of 110 km/h means it’s comfortable on faster roads, though it’s clearly happiest darting through city streets.

No Trim Dilemmas – Just One Loaded Option

Unlike competitors that lure you in with a low base price only to nickel-and-dime you for essential features, the T03 arrives in Europe with a single, generously equipped trim.  Inside, you’ll find a 10.1-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, making navigation and entertainment easy. Safety hasn’t been forgotten either—ABS, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera come standard, which is impressive for such an affordable EV.

Despite its compact dimensions, the cabin is surprisingly spacious, seating four adults in reasonable comfort. The 210-litre boot isn’t huge, but fold the rear seats, and you’ll unlock a much more practical 508 litres—enough for a big grocery haul or a weekend getaway bag.

Warranty That Adds Peace of Mind

Buying a lesser-known brand can feel like a gamble, but Leapmotor backs the T03 with a solid warranty. The vehicle itself comes with 4 years or 100,000 km of coverage. While Leapmotor typically offers an 8-year/120,000 km battery warranty in China, the battery warranty for Europe hasn’t been announced yet. And since Leapmotor is part of the Stellantis group (which includes brands like Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat), Leapmotor will benefit from an extensive European network of dealers and service centres.

The Price? Almost Too Good to Ignore

Here’s where the T03 really shines: the Leapmotor T03's price in Europe starts at around €20,000 (before any government incentives). That makes it one of the cheapest new EVs on the continent, undercutting rivals like the Dacia Spring while offering more range and better tech. If you’re after an electric runabout that won’t break the bank, this little hatchback is hard to dismiss.

Final Thoughts

The Leapmotor T03 won’t thrill driving enthusiasts, and it’s not built for long road trips. But as a practical, efficient, and affordable urban EV, it makes a strong case for itself. If you want to go electric without overspending—and don’t mind betting on a new player—this could be the budget-friendly surprise you’ve been waiting for.