Leapmotor PHEV Models Set for Overseas Launch in 2027

Leapmotor Plans Overseas PHEV Expansion

Leapmotor PHEV Models are planned for overseas launch as early as the first half of 2027, according to a Cailian report citing a person familiar with the matter. The Chinese EV maker is increasing investment in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle development as it seeks to broaden its lineup and attract more international buyers. The report did not identify the specific models or initial overseas markets. Leapmotor currently sells battery electric vehicles and extended-range electric vehicles, making PHEVs an additional electrified powertrain option as the company expands beyond China.

The planned PHEV rollout comes as Leapmotor accelerates its international expansion and raises its expectations for overseas sales. At an August earnings call, management forecast overseas sales of about 200,000 vehicles in 2026, compared with its previous target range of 100,000 to 150,000 vehicles. Management then set a 2027 overseas sales target of 350,000 to 400,000 vehicles, with the company aiming for the upper end of that range. The PHEV strategy could give Leapmotor another product configuration for markets where buyers want electrification without relying entirely on battery charging.

Leapmotor Overseas Exports Continue Rising

Leapmotor’s overseas sales have already increased sharply. The company exported 132,118 vehicles during the first eight months of 2026, representing a 327.79% year-over-year increase. August exports reached 18,255 vehicles, up 209.20% from the same month a year earlier and 3.90% from July. The monthly figures show a substantial increase from the export volumes recorded in 2024 and 2025, providing a clear backdrop for the company’s decision to broaden its international product offering.

Leapmotor Monthly Exports 2024-2026

The export data shows how quickly Leapmotor’s international shipments have expanded through 2026. Monthly exports increased substantially compared with the corresponding figures available for 2025, while August 2026 reached 18,255 vehicles. The table also provides the reported monthly export figures for 2024, 2025, and 2026, with blank periods retained where the supplied data contains no figure. These results illustrate the rapid increase in overseas shipment volumes that supports Leapmotor’s higher international sales ambitions.

Leapmotor International Supports Global Growth

Leapmotor’s overseas expansion is being managed through Leapmotor International, its joint venture with Stellantis NV, which handles exports and sales outside China. The company is already using extended-range models in selected overseas markets to address consumers who may have limited access to charging infrastructure. In August, Leapmotor entered Argentina with extended-range versions of its B10 and C10 sport utility vehicles. The company said extended-range technology can help ease range anxiety while reducing reliance on charging infrastructure, while Stellantis’ local dealership and after-sales network supports market expansion.

Localized Production Expands Overseas Reach

Beyond expanding its sales network, Leapmotor is also pursuing localized overseas production. In July, the company announced its entry into Indonesia, where it is carrying out knocked-down assembly through Indomobil Group. This approach adds a local manufacturing element to the company’s international strategy while its export operations continue to scale. The combination of exports, local assembly, dealership coverage, and after-sales support gives Leapmotor several channels for building its overseas presence as it works toward substantially higher international sales volumes in 2027.

Leapmotor Targets One Million Annual Deliveries

Overseas growth is also contributing to Leapmotor’s broader goal of reaching 1,000,000 vehicle deliveries for the full year. Global deliveries reached a record 103,129 vehicles in August, marking the second consecutive month above 100,000 vehicles. During the first eight months of 2026, Leapmotor delivered 560,883 vehicles, an increase of 70.55% year over year and approximately 56.1% of its annual target. The planned overseas PHEV expansion therefore comes alongside rapid overall delivery growth and a stated effort to increase the contribution from international markets.

Industry Impact & Outlook

Leapmotor’s planned PHEV expansion could broaden the range of electrified vehicles available to international buyers and give the company another way to address markets where charging access remains a consideration. The strategy is particularly relevant to its overseas growth targets because PHEVs would complement its existing BEV and EREV offerings rather than replace them. Its partnership with Stellantis and localized operations in Indonesia also provide established channels for market development, while the strong increase in exports indicates growing international momentum. The next important developments will be the identification of the PHEV models and launch markets, followed by the timing and scale of their overseas rollout.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Leapmotor launch PHEV models overseas?
Leapmotor is planning to launch its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle models overseas as early as the first half of 2027, although the company has not identified specific models or initial markets. The planned rollout is part of a broader international expansion strategy as Leapmotor increases investment in PHEV development and seeks to attract more overseas buyers. Its existing lineup includes battery electric and extended-range electric vehicles, so PHEVs would expand the company’s electrified powertrain choices for international customers.