Source: YuanAuto

Leapmotor is sparing no expense in its quest to explore the Hong Kong market.

On June 20, YuanAuto learned from Leapmotor that the C10 sold in Hong Kong is equipped with CATL batteries, a significant upgrade compared to the mainland version.

According to data, for the same model equipped with a 69.9kWh LFP battery, the mainland version of the C10 uses batteries from second-tier suppliers like SVOLT and ENAX, with allocations being random and owners unable to specify the battery brand.

Naturally, the Hong Kong version of the C10 comes with a higher price tag than the mainland version, with an official guide price of HK$209,900, translating to a price difference of approximately RMB 70,000. However, within the Hong Kong car market, the C10 is priced competitively, being one of the cheapest electric SUVs in its class, with only the NIO X, currently in clearance, priced lower.

Worth noting, beyond the battery, the Hong Kong version of the C10 also boasts a series of enhanced configurations compared to the mainland version (comparing entry-level pure electric models). These include additional airbags, a standard panoramic sunroof, and slightly reduced total motor power.

Reflecting its commitment to quality, Leapmotor has chosen a prestigious location for its Hong Kong experience center.

For its inaugural experience center, Leapmotor selected Cityplaza, one of the largest shopping centers in the CBD of Hong Kong Island's Eastern District, neighboring Audi and ZEEKR. Some media reports suggest that Porsche previously occupied the space now housing Leapmotor's showroom.

Leapmotor plans to expand its presence in Hong Kong, with another experience center set to open this year, focusing on new car sales. Additionally, by the end of July, the company will establish an after-sales center in Kwai Chung, followed by the opening of a 4S store next year to accommodate increased deliveries and after-sales services.

While the performance of Leapmotor post-pre-order launch in Hong Kong remains to be seen, the success of BYD and Chinese brand electric vehicles in general bodes well for its prospects.

According to data from the Transport Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, from January to May 2025, BYD's Dolphin EV outsold Tesla's Model 3 to become the sales champion, with sales exceeding 60% more than the latter. Moreover, the "Hong Kong Electric Vehicle Sales Ranking for January-May 2025" revealed that 8 out of the top 10 selling models during this period were pure electric vehicles from Chinese brands.

However, Leapmotor might consider introducing a higher-end model alongside the C10 and T03 to cater to the preferences of the Hong Kong market. Sales data indicate that models positioned in the "affordable" pure electric SUV market, ranging from HK$200,000 to HK$250,000, including BYD's ATTO 3 (mainland's BYD Yuan PLUS), have performed modestly.

Similarly, Chinese brand electric vehicles with a higher positioning that have capitalized on their cost-effectiveness advantages have gained easier market acceptance in the Hong Kong car market. In the aforementioned sales ranking, the top 7 models were all priced at HK$300,000 or above.

As Leapmotor's Chairman and CEO Zhu Jiangming stated at the store opening ceremony, for Leapmotor, showcasing the brand and products effectively in Hong Kong might be more significant than sales volume. To bolster Leapmotor's reputation, relying solely on mid-range or even entry-level models like the C10 and T03 is not a sustainable strategy.

Nevertheless, Leapmotor's opening of its first store in Hong Kong marks a crucial step in its international expansion. With domestic sales already firmly established among the top-tier new-energy vehicle brands, Leapmotor's continued expansion into regional markets could further solidify its position.

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