2023 Leapmotor T03: Small Electric Car in Check

The Leapmotor T03 is a compact electric vehicle originating from China. It features a 41.3 kWh battery, which provides a decent driving range. However, before assessing its performance, it is essential to evaluate its seating capacity.

Leapmotor, a Chinese automotive manufacturer, was established in 2015. Within seven years, the company has introduced four models to the domestic market, including the T03, a small-sized car.

Measuring 3.62 meters in length, the T03 offers a compact footprint suitable for easy parking. Additionally, its width of 1.65 meters proves advantageous in navigating narrow spaces and congested urban streets. For comparison, the Dacia Spring, manufactured by DFSK in China, is slightly longer at 3.73 meters.

Regarding the T03’s features, it aims to distinguish itself with advanced technology. On the Chinese market, this five-door vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive array of sensors for driver assistance and offers over-the-air software updates via internet connectivity. In Europe, the French importer, Eve, includes front and rear parking sensors, a cruise control system, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation.

During our initial assessment in France, we examined the Leapmotor T03, finding its visual design to be appealing. With a modest aesthetic reminiscent of Suzuki small cars or the previous-generation Smart Forfour, the T03’s design exhibits simplicity. The charging port is positioned beneath the logo on the front, alongside the LED headlights.

Powering the T03 is a relatively large 41.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, which deviates from the norm for vehicles in its class. In comparison, the Dacia Spring possesses a 27.4 kWh battery. The T03’s battery can reach 80 percent of its capacity in just 36 minutes when fast-charged using the CSS standard. Alternatively, when charging with alternating current, such as from a home wall box or public charging station, the T03 requires approximately three and a half hours to increase its battery level from 30 to 80 percent.

According to the WLTP standard, the T03 boasts a range of 280 kilometers on a fully charged battery. This estimate is based on a test bench consumption of 15.7 kWh per 100 kilometers. The T03’s electric motor, responsible for propelling the front wheels, generates a maximum output of 80 kW (109 hp) and produces a torque of 158 Newton meters. For comparison, the Dacia Spring offers 33 kW (45 hp) and 125 Newton meters of torque.

In terms of performance, the T03 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in twelve seconds and achieves a top speed of 130 km/h. Although we were unable to personally verify these figures during our initial assessment, we were able to evaluate the interior space during our seat test.

Surprisingly, the rear seating area provides ample comfort, even for taller individuals, despite the presence of a 210-liter trunk. The T03’s legroom and headroom are particularly noteworthy, surpassing established microcars with combustion engines such as the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, and Mitsubishi Space Star. The T03’s height of 1.58 meters contributes to this advantageous interior space.

The navigation system on board