Home / Business and Economy / Leapmotor's £25k EV A05 to Challenge VW
Leapmotor's £25k EV A05 to Challenge VW
17 Mar
Summary
- Leapmotor A05 electric hatchback to launch in 2026.
- The A05 is expected to be priced around £5,000 cheaper than VW's ID.3.
- Leapmotor aims for one million vehicle sales by 2026.
Leapmotor is preparing to enter the European market with its new A05 electric hatchback, positioning it as a direct competitor to Volkswagen's ID.3. The Hangzhou-based auto firm plans to release the A05 in 2026, with an estimated starting price of £25,000. This pricing strategy aims to undercut its European rivals, including the VW ID.3, which currently starts at £30,860 after government discounts.
The A05 will be powered by a single front-mounted motor, available in either 94bhp or 121bhp variants, and will utilize two sizes of lithium-iron-phosphate batteries. Measuring 4.2 meters long, it will offer a compact family-car footprint, comparable to models like the Renault Megane or MG4 EV. Leapmotor, a company founded in 2015 and supported by Stellantis, has set an ambitious target of selling one million vehicles by 2026, focusing on affordable, high-tech new energy vehicles (NEVs).
Volkswagen is also preparing to unveil a replacement for the ID.3, tentatively named the ID.3 Neo, next month. This updated model is expected to include enhanced driver-assistance features and improved energy recuperation capabilities. The A05's arrival signifies a growing presence of Chinese automotive brands in the European market, intensifying competition among established manufacturers and new entrants.
