Leapmotor C10 Hybrid EV Offers 600-Mile Range for £36,500
Leapmotor's C10 Hybrid EV, a range-extender plug-in, combines a 28.4kWh battery with a petrol generator for around 600 miles of combined range. Priced at £36,500, it matches the pure-electric C10 and promises EV-like driving without range anxiety.
Leapmotor has introduced the C10 Hybrid EV to the UK market, a D-segment range-extender that offers a combined range of approximately 600 miles for £36,500. The vehicle pairs a 28.4kWh battery, providing around 90 miles of electric-only driving, with a 50-litre petrol tank that adds over 500 miles. Unlike conventional plug-in hybrids, the C10's 1.5-litre petrol engine is not mechanically connected to the wheels; it functions solely as an on-board generator to charge the battery, which then powers a rear-mounted electric motor.
This architecture eliminates the need for a gearbox, clutch, or traditional driveline, reducing complexity and allowing the engine to run in a narrow, efficient power band. The result is a driving experience that closely mirrors that of a pure electric vehicle, with the petrol engine engaging only when needed to sustain battery charge. The C10 Hybrid EV is one of a small but growing number of range-extender electric vehicles (EREVs) available in the UK, a category that includes models from brands such as Jaecoo and BYD.
Priced identically to the pure-electric C10, the Hybrid EV comes generously equipped as standard. However, its official WLTP fuel consumption and CO2 figures—942mpg and 7g/km—are wildly unrealistic due to regulatory quirks, and real-world efficiency depends heavily on usage patterns. In about 1,000 miles of mixed driving, the test car has averaged 11 miles per kWh and 67.2mpg, suggesting the 600-mile range claim is broadly accurate.
The C10 Hybrid EV offers four power-mix settings: EV, EV+, Fuel, and Power+. Drivers can prioritise electric power in town and switch to Fuel mode for longer journeys. The transition to petrol power is accompanied by a faint hum that is easily overlooked. A Sport mode sharpens throttle response, while other modes dull it for efficiency. The car's steering is notably serene and stable at cruising speeds, contributing to a relaxed long-distance demeanour. Ride quality is robust, remaining flat over rough sections, though some rumble is felt over sharp ripples. The brakes are strong, if initially sharp.
Inside, the C10 features a screen-based control interface that requires some familiarisation. The test driver spent a few half-hour sessions adjusting settings, eventually grouping preferred steering effort, acceleration, and regenerative braking strength under a custom profile. The Leapmotor app allows remote locking and unlocking, and smartphone music playback is straightforward. Voice control remains a work in progress.
As a range-extender, the C10 Hybrid EV sidesteps range anxiety entirely. With a wallbox at home, daily charging becomes routine, and the petrol engine provides a safety net for longer trips. The vehicle is spacious, practical, and efficient, though multi-passenger and long-haul challenges lie ahead. Early impressions suggest Leapmotor has delivered a compelling alternative to conventional plug-in hybrids, one that offers the smoothness of an EV without the infrastructure concerns.
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