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Stellantis Turns Chinese Hatchback into Cargo Van with Minimal Changes

Stellantis Expands Range of Commercial Electric Vehicles

The Stellantis group is preparing to expand its European portfolio with an unusual novelty: a compact electric vehicle for “last-mile” delivery. This vehicle was developed by a joint venture with the Chinese company Leapmotor and is based on the T03 model. Its miniature dimensions make it ideal for the narrow streets of European cities, while the electric powertrain and competitive price are intended to attract corporate clients.

Conversion into a Van: Cargo Space and Limitations

Like most commercial versions of passenger models, the T03 has been converted into a two-seater van. The rear row of seats has been removed, creating a cargo compartment with a volume of 657 liters. Access to it is through the rear doors and trunk, although the openings are, of course, small.

The payload capacity looks less convincing. It is only 220 kg, which limits the vehicle’s real utility. On the other hand, this model is designed for transporting parcels and small loads within the city, not bags of cement, so its capabilities may be sufficient for its primary task.

Equipment and Technical Specifications

The car’s interior is equipped better than one might expect from a delivery vehicle. Available features include an 8-inch digital instrument panel, a 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system, and a full set of ADAS systems for driver assistance.

Externally, the five-door hatchback is practically indistinguishable from the standard Leapmotor T03, with a length of 3620 mm. The commercial version is given away by its black 15-inch steel wheels, and the color choice is limited to Caribbean Blue, Light White, and “Canopy” Gray.

The powertrain consists of a single electric motor with an output of 95 hp, providing 158 Nm of torque—the same as the passenger version. The 37.3 kWh battery provides a range of up to 256 km according to the WLTP international cycle. The vehicle supports DC fast charging with a power of 45 kW.

Production and Sales Launch

According to Stellantis, the “final stage of production” for European markets will take place at the Mirafiori plant in Turin. In reality, it is likely there that the model will be converted into the commercial version, as the Leapmotor T03 itself continues to be produced in Jinhua, China. Plans for its production at the Tychy plant in Poland have been quietly canceled.

Orders for the Leapmotor T03 LCV will begin to be accepted in select EU countries this month, with the first deliveries to customers expected in the summer. The price starts from 14,590 euros excluding VAT, making it one of the most affordable commercial vehicles on the European market. Stellantis already has experience in the small electric vehicle segment, offering a commercial version of the even smaller and lighter Citroen Ami quadricycle.

The appearance of such a car on the European market could be an interesting test of the readiness of businesses, especially logistics companies, to use ultra-compact Chinese platforms for urban transport. The model’s success will depend not only on price but also on durability, service availability, and real efficiency in daily operating conditions. This is also a telling step in Stellantis’s strategy of using Chinese technologies and production capabilities to quickly and cost-effectively fill niches in Western markets.

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