With a starting price of $46,990, the Tesla Model 3 is a sensible choice for those looking to make the switch over to electric motoring. Not only does it boast an impressive range (267 miles) but it's reasonably fast, too; Tesla claims this sub-$50,000 sedan can hit 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. But a new contender is looking to give the Model 3 a run for its money.
The Leapmotor C01 was recently unveiled in China and is so much more than its elegantly-styled bodywork. This sleek coupe-esque sedan is capable of hitting 62 mph in less than four seconds, courtesy of the 542-horsepower electric motor. But the biggest surprise comes in the form of its price tag.
Leapmotor has said the C01 will retail from 180,000 Yuan (approx. $27,000), making it cheaper than a Nissan Leaf. Even the range-topping model looks to be good value, at 270,000 Yuan (approx. $40,300).
Unfortunately, the newcomer is not likely to arrive on local shores. So, what are we missing out on? A lot, it seems; the 90 kWh battery pack is capable of carrying the 198,9-inch-long sedan 445 miles between charges, which is very impressive. There will be five trims to choose from and even the base model will boast a 310-mile travel range. These figures have been calculated on the CLTC cycle, though.
This is undoubtedly down to clever aerodynamics. The slippery shape cuts through the air with a drag coefficient of just 0.226. Flush door handles and aerodynamically enhanced wheels aid in achieving this low figure. Interestingly, the C01 makes use of cell to chassis technology, bundling the chassis, battery, and underbody together.
It's definitely more advanced than China's most affordable electric car, the Wuling Mini EV. The C01's drive unit is reportedly air-cooled and weighs approximately 187 lbs. What's more, Leapmotor says the electric drive has been designed to last for more than 620,000 miles.
That large body will pay dividends when you step inside the tech-laden cabin. A 115.3-inch wheelbase should afford plenty of legroom (an important characteristic in China) while the 17.5 cubic foot trunk will provide sufficient cargo space. More impressive are the features; the C01 makes use of Qualcomm 8155 chips which power the three onboard high-definition screens.
From facial recognition technology to optional heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, the C01 is shaping up to be a rather luxurious electric sedan. Some may snigger at this unheard-of EV, but in April, Leapmotor managed to shift more than six times the cars Tesla did - it's still some way behind BYD, though.
It's a pity the Leapmotor C01 won't be making it to the states, if only so that we could sample it and see whether it lives up to its on-paper claims. While quite the looker, it can't match the Voyah Free in terms of outright style.