Stellantis Eyes Leapmotor EV Tech to Cut Costs and Boost Efficiency

According to sources familiar with the matter, Stellantis is considering expanding its joint venture with Leapmotor to incorporate the Chinese automaker’s battery and electric powertrain technologies into its mass-market European brands—including Fiat, Opel, and Peugeot—to reduce R&D costs and enhance competitiveness. Stellantis has already begun selling the Leapmotor C10 SUV in Europe through its own channels. The negotiations are still in an early stage, and both parties must navigate regulatory challenges, including data security concerns and a U.S. rule set to ban connected vehicles containing Chinese or Russian technology starting in 2027. If finalized, the deal would mark the first time a major Western automaker relies on a Chinese EV architecture and software platform to develop its own models. Stellantis has described 2025 as the “year of strategic implementation” for this partnership, while Leapmotor has not yet commented. The move aims to help Stellantis more effectively compete against rivals such as BYD and Volkswagen amid a slowdown in its electric vehicle transition.