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Date: March 26, 2025
Chery’s premium sub‑brand Lepas has dropped a tantalizing preview of a future compact hatchback that its top executive claims “is on a different planet” compared with the current crop of small electric cars. The model, internally code‑named L2, is scheduled for launch in Australia in 2028 and is designed to stand boldly apart from rivals such as the BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2, which currently dominate the entry‑level EV sales charts.
In an exclusive interview, Chery Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris described the L2 as a sporty, handsome hatchback that defies easy categorization. “This L2 is absolutely nothing like those cars, not even a little bit. Not even a distant relative,” Harris said. “It’s a hatchback, not a small SUV. It’s not like a little micro BEV; it’s more Corolla size. It is really handsome, very sporty. It is on a different planet to those other cars.”
While details remain scarce, Harris confirmed that the L2’s powertrain options are still being finalized. “At the moment it’s a little bit being decided, and we will probably make a firm decision closer to the [production] time,” he explained, adding that shifting market conditions and unexpected global events over the next 12 months could sway consumer preferences between electric and hybrid solutions. This strategic flexibility reflects Chery’s broader approach to a rapidly evolving global EV landscape.
Given its compact hatchback body style, the L2 is likely to borrow technology from Chery’s existing smaller EVs, such as the Jaecoo J5 EV or the Chery E5. That could translate into a front‑wheel‑drive layout powered by a single electric motor delivering around 155 kW and 288 Nm of torque, paired with a roughly 60‑kWh battery pack to achieve a driving range in excess of 400 km on the WLTP cycle. However, with two years still to go before production starts, Chery may refine the specifications — or even pivot to a hybrid powertrain if market demand shifts.
Design: Nearly locked in and poised to stand out
Harris revealed that the L2’s exterior styling is approximately 99% finalized, even though the car has not been publicly shown. He emphasized that the design language targets a premium sports‑luxury aesthetic, which sets it apart from competitors in the small EV segment. “The most exciting [future model] for me is L2. I think the design really speaks to me — it has a real sports design look about it,” Harris said. “Hatchback is super interesting. I don’t think there are a lot of compelling options in the market at the moment, particularly for BEV. So if I could click my fingers and launch the next one tomorrow it would be the L2 every day of the week.”
This strong personal endorsement from a senior executive underscores the model’s importance to Lepas’ product offensive. By offering a more dynamic, driver‑focused alternative to the ubiquitous small SUV‑shaped EVs, the L2 aims to capture buyers who crave style and engagement over sheer practicality.
Product roadmap: L6, L4, L8, L9 come first
Before the L2 arrives, Lepas will launch a series of SUVs to build brand presence. The L6 mid‑size SUV — available as both an electric and a plug‑in hybrid — is expected first, followed by the L4 compact electric SUV, and then two larger plug‑in hybrid SUVs, the L8 and L9. This sequenced rollout allows Chery to test consumer appetite for different drivetrains and establish Lepas as a credible player in multiple segments.
The decision to push the L2’s debut to 2028 is partly a function of Chery’s ambitious product cadence and the need to allocate resources across a growing portfolio. However, Harris hinted that if consumer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, the timeline could accelerate. “A lot can change in two years, especially at brands that move as fast as Chery,” he noted. “The final product might be completely different.”
Expert perspective: Why L2 matters for Chery in the US and beyond
Although Lepas has not yet announced a launch in the United States, the brand’s global ambitions are clear. US‑based automotive analyst Dr. Ellen Whitfield of AutoMarket Intelligence observes that a compact, sporty hatchback with a distinctive design could fill a gap left by the shrinking number of affordable EV options. “The US market is saturated with SUVs and crossovers. Many younger buyers are looking for something smaller, more fun, and less common. The L2 could be that car — if it delivers on performance and range at a competitive price,” Whitfield said.
She also noted that Chery’s hybrid‑ready strategy gives it a unique advantage. “If the charging infrastructure in a region lags, the PHEV version of the L2 could win over hesitant buyers. That dual‑path approach is smarter than going all‑in on pure EV, especially for a brand entering new markets.”
Conclusion
The Lepas L2 represents a daring bet on the enduring appeal of the hatchback body style in an era dominated by SUV‑shaped EVs. With a design that Chery says is “on a different planet,” a flexible powertrain approach, and a launch window still two to three years away, the L2 has time to evolve — but expectations are already high. Stay tuned for more details as production nears
