Vauxhall Plans New Low-Cost Electric SUV — With Assistance From Leapmotor

Vauxhall is set to launch a new low-cost electric SUV, developed in partnership with Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor, marking a significant step in the brand’s electrification strategy. The forthcoming model, expected to enter production in 2028 at Stellantis’ Figueruelas factory in Spain, will be larger than the classic Vauxhall Chevette but positioned as an affordable electric vehicle aimed at popular demand for SUVs. While details remain limited, the new SUV will measure approximately 4.5 metres in length, placing it in a competitive segment alongside vehicles like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Enyaq. The collaboration between Stellantis and Leapmotor builds on their joint venture, Leapmotor International, established in late 2023, which has already expanded sales across multiple continents including Europe, South America, and Asia-Pacific. Stellantis holds a majority stake in the partnership, with Leapmotor providing the electric drivetrain, battery, and electronic systems. Vauxhall’s design and engineering teams in Germany will oversee the vehicle’s development, ensuring it retains distinct brand characteristics while benefiting from Leapmotor’s rapid development processes and cost-efficient technologies. Vauxhall-Opel boss Florian Huettl emphasised that the new SUV will not be a mere rebadged Chinese model but a co-developed vehicle combining Leapmotor’s electric platform with Vauxhall’s expertise in areas such as drivetrain, interior design, and user interface. Notably, the SUV will feature physical controls rather than the touchscreen-heavy interfaces typical of Leapmotor’s cars, reflecting Vauxhall’s focus on driver familiarity and usability. The use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries is expected to help keep costs down, making the vehicle more accessible to budget-conscious buyers. The introduction of this electric SUV reflects Vauxhall’s ambition to expand its presence in the increasingly popular mid-sized SUV segment, which remains strong in key markets like the UK and Germany. Huettl highlighted the importance of affordability and accessibility in the brand’s electric mobility plans, signalling a strategic commitment to delivering EVs that meet real-world customer needs without premium price tags. The partnership with Leapmotor also demonstrates Stellantis’ broader strategy to leverage global collaborations and accelerate EV development through innovative, digitalised processes inspired by Chinese manufacturing speed. As the project moves forward, Vauxhall and Leapmotor will continue to refine the vehicle’s features, including its infotainment system, which poses integration challenges due to differing operating systems. Nonetheless, the alliance is poised to strengthen Vauxhall’s electric offering and contribute to Stellantis’ wider ambitions for affordable, locally produced electric vehicles in Europe. The new SUV could become a pivotal model in Vauxhall’s transition towards a more sustainable and competitive future in the electric vehicle market.