The UK’s electric car market is booming, with prices soaring across the board. In the midst of this EV frenzy, the Leapmotor T03 stands out as an affordable alternative.
The T03 comes to the UK via a collaboration between Stellantis and Chinese automaker Leapmotor. Built in Poland—the same factory once home to the Fiat 500—the T03 is distributed through established Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealerships, ensuring a familiar buying experience for customers while offering both brands a foothold in the budget EV segment.
This clever partnership benefits both companies: Stellantis gains an affordable electric model for budget-conscious buyers, while Leapmotor gets essential exposure in the competitive European market.
How long this arrangement will last, or what it means for other low-cost EVs like the Dacia range, remains to be seen. Regardless, more competition can only be a win for shoppers looking for value.
Following its exclusion from a government Budget deal (which favoured non-Chinese vehicles), Leapmotor dropped the T03’s price by £1,500, cementing its place as one of the UK’s most affordable electric cars. The model we tested was listed at £14,495.
Despite its low price, the T03 doesn’t cut corners on features. Standard equipment includes satellite navigation, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, automatic climate control, heated and powered door mirrors, four power windows, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—are available to help drivers manage performance and battery usage according to their preferences.
Behind the wheel, getting started is effortless: select your gear, press the pedal, and glide away. Eco mode may feel sluggish but maximizes how far you can go on a charge; Normal offers a little more zip, while Sport delivers the most pep (but noticeably reduces range).
The advertised 165-mile range starts to dwindle when tackling rural routes or faster roads, tempting you to switch back to Eco mode when creeping through city traffic.
In real-world driving, the T03 keeps up with everyday urban speeds and even manages short motorway stretches. However, overtaking requires careful consideration, as the power can fade just when you need it most.
Planning ahead is key: anticipate bends, adjust your speed early, and think ahead with your braking to make the most of the car’s resources.
The Leapmotor T03 isn’t pretending to be a hot hatch. Handling is on the soft side with noticeable body roll through corners, and the car pitches under acceleration and braking much like vintage models. The ride quality is firm and occasionally jarring over rough roads.
The front wheels generally maintain traction, though in Sport mode they can struggle for grip. It’s unclear how the T03 would manage icy or snowy weather.
Many functions are accessed via column stalks or buried in the touchscreen menus, and the driver display is basic, with unclear markings and dim lighting.
The heating and ventilation system manages airflow well up front but lacks power towards the rear—the four electric windows make up for this shortcoming somewhat.
Interior practicality is compromised by small rear door openings and a compact boot, which offers enough space for a few shopping bags but falls short for anything more substantial. Storage for smaller items throughout the cabin is also quite limited.
Rear seat legroom is cramped and shoulder space is tight—two adults will be a squeeze. Front seats are a tad roomier, but none provide enough cushioning for true comfort on longer trips.
Visibility is excellent thanks to slender roof pillars, a low beltline, and clear reversing sensors and camera—making parking a breeze. The T03’s compact proportions and responsive steering add to its city-friendly feel.
If you’re making regular commutes and can recharge easily, the Leapmotor T03 is a practical urban runabout.
While well-equipped, the Leapmotor T03’s driving experience harks back to modest family cars of decades past—refined in looks and technology, but still very much a “back to basics” approach.
Interestingly, if you adjust for inflation, the T03’s £14,500 price tag is not far from what a typical family car would have cost in the 1960s. Some things change, others stay the same.
FAST FACTS
Model: Leapmotor T03
Price: £14,495
Powertrain: 95hp electric motor, 37.3kWh battery
Top Speed: 81mph
0-62mph: 12.7 seconds
Range: 165 miles
Insurance Group: 25
CO2 Emissions: Zero
BiK rate: 3%, VED £10 first year, £195 standard rate
Warranty: 4 years mechanical/8 years battery
Dimensions: L 3.62m, W 1.66m, H 1.58m
Boot space: 210–508 litres
Kerb weight: 1175kg
Pros: Inexpensive city EV, simple to drive and park, three drive modes
Cons: Mediocre handling, stiff ride, tight boot and back seats, high cabin noise, awkward controls and warning sounds. By Robin Roberts, Miles Better News Agency
