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April 11, 2025 – Leapmotor International is actively studying a hybrid variant of the B03X, a compact electric SUV that recently launched in Europe. While the company has yet to commit to production, a top executive said that strong demand from markets such as Brazil, Australia and Mexico could justify the investment – and the United States may soon be added to that list.
Speaking to journalists at the international debut of the B03X in Spain, Danilo Annese, commercial head for Enlarged Europe at Leapmotor International, confirmed that the front‑wheel‑drive platform could technically accommodate an extended‑range electric vehicle (EREV) system. “There is no technical reason to rule it out,” he said, but added that any development decision depends on whether aggregate demand across multiple regions reaches a critical mass.
Annese noted that southern European countries are already pushing for a hybrid B03X, while markets like the Netherlands and Belgium remain focused on pure battery‑electric vehicles. When asked about the role of markets outside Europe, he pointed to Brazil, Australia, and Mexico – but the conversation around US demand is growing louder.
Why the US matters
The United States, while not yet directly mentioned by Leapmotor, presents a compelling case. American consumers bought more than 1.3 million hybrid vehicles in 2024 (including conventional hybrids and plug‑in hybrids), according to industry data, accounting for nearly 10% of new car sales. Meanwhile, battery‑electric vehicle sales have plateaued in the US in recent quarters, partly due to concerns over range and charging infrastructure. Hybrids – especially EREV designs that allow a gasoline engine to act as a generator – are gaining traction among buyers who want electrified efficiency without range anxiety.
“If Brazil
