Johannesburg, South Africa – 05 February 2025 – Leapmotor, part of Stellantis South Africa, has announced a strategic partnership with boutique electric vehicle (EV) rental company Drive Electric, marking a significant step in expanding premium electric mobility in South Africa.
Under the agreement, Leapmotor will supply Drive Electric with a fleet of its C10 REEV vehicles, complementing the company’s existing electric rental and chauffeur-driven offerings. Drive Electric, South Africa’s first rental provider with an exclusively electric fleet, aims to provide customers with seamless, sustainable, and high-quality mobility experiences.
A ‘power’ partnership for the future of mobility
Janus Janse van Rensburg, Head of Marketing and Sales for Leapmotor at Stellantis South Africa, describes the collaboration as a natural alignment of vision. “Leapmotor represents a new generation of intelligent electric vehicles that align closely with Drive Electric’s vision of premium, tech-forward mobility,” he says.
“The C10 REEV is designed around real-world electric use. It enables full electric commuting while providing the confidence of extended range for longer journeys, supported by advanced technology and a refined interior experience,” Van Rensburg adds.
Chris O’Connor, Founder and CEO of Drive Electric, emphasises the strategic value of the partnership for his company. “We chose to partner with Leapmotor because of their innovative mobility solutions, aimed at shaping the future of transport and electric mobility,” he explains. “For premium rental and chauffeur-driven services like ours, reliability, range, and passenger experience are critical. The C10 REEV delivers on all three through top-tier comfort, advanced safety, and intuitive smart technology.”
Designed for South African roads and conditions
The Leapmotor C10 REEV is a range-extending electric vehicle that combines a fully electric motor with a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine. The petrol engine functions as a generator, maintaining battery charge when needed. This approach allows drivers to enjoy everyday electric commuting while confidently tackling longer journeys without constant charging stops.
With an electric-only range suitable for daily use and a combined range approaching 1 000 km when the generator is engaged, the C10 REEV bridges the gap between full battery electric vehicles and conventional hybrids. Fast DC charging ensures rapid energy top-ups, while AC charging offers convenient overnight recharging.
Premium comfort meets intelligent technology
Inside, the C10 REEV delivers a spacious and refined five-seat cabin designed for comfort and connectivity. Features such as power-adjustable seating, advanced climate control, and high-quality materials create a calm and luxurious interior environment.
The digital cockpit includes a large central infotainment display, smart intuitive controls, and over-the-air software updates, keeping the vehicle current throughout its life. Safety is also a key focus, with an advanced suite of driver assistance systems designed to enhance confidence and comfort behind the wheel.
Availability
The Leapmotor C10 REEV is now integrated into the Drive Electric rental platform (www.driveelectric.co.za) and will be available for customers in Johannesburg and Cape Town. With this partnership, premium electric mobility is set to become more accessible to South African consumers, combining sustainable driving with comfort, technology, and real-world usability.
