Why Chinese EVs are winning over UK drivers
With cutting-edge tech, standout design and prices that beat the competition, Chinese electric vehicles are shaking up the UK market.
As one of the first UK dealers to launch Leapmotor, Croxdale Group is seeing strong demand from drivers eager to go electric without the premium price tag.
Anthony Rockingham, managing director of Croxdale Group, explores the attraction of UK motorists to the incredible Chinese motor brands on offer, as Leapmotor takes off in County Durham.
The UK car market is witnessing a major shift and at the forefront is Leapmotor, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand that’s already making its mark on the roads around County Durham. Since its launch at Croxdale Group’s Durham dealership in December, Leapmotor has quickly captured the attention of drivers looking for affordable, high-tech alternatives to traditional petrol or diesel cars.
Croxdale leads UK rollout of the UK’s best value EV – the leapmotor T03
Anthony Rockingham, managing director at Croxdale Group, is proud to be part of Leapmotor’s UK journey.
The dealership currently has a range of launch offers, including 0% finance from £199 deposit and £199 per month or as little as £15,995 OTR for the compact Leapmotor T03 – the UK’s best value EV – or £399 deposit plus £399 per month for the C10.
He says: “The Leapmotor T03 is offering the best value in the EV market right now in fact, it’s amongst the cheapest new EVs you can buy in the UK.
“It’s narrowly beaten on price by the Dacia Spring – but that offers no comparison to the T03, which offers a much better range, technology and specification.
“We’re already seeing strong early sales in our dedicated Leapmotor showroom, and customers are telling us how impressed they are with the technology, the design and, most of all, the money they’re saving on fuel.”
Starting from less than £16,000 on the road, the Leapmotor T03 is opening up EV ownership to a whole new segment of the market, making it possible for more drivers to make the switch to electric without compromising on tech or comfort.
Backed by a global automotive giant
Leapmotor’s arrival in the UK is no small feat. But it’s made all the more promising thanks to its strategic partnership with Stellantis, one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers. Stellantis owns household names like DS, Alfa Romeo, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën, Jeep, Fiat and Abarth, and its partnership with Leapmotor means UK drivers can be confident about the brand’s long-term future and aftersales support. The benefit of choosing a car from a manufacturing giant like Stellantis is it is well known and respected across the UK and has the infrastructure, parts and warranty available in this part of the world, so you can be sure of top quality aftersales service, especially from Croxdale Grup. A Lot of new brands fall down when there is an issue or a problem, but with Stellantis being well placed in UK and Europe, accessing parts distribution, technical support and aftersales care will always be a breeze.
“From Electrification to Technification”
For Anthony Rockingham, the impact of Leapmotor goes far beyond price. “We’re now moving beyond electrification to technification,” he explains. “This is about more than electric powertrains – it’s about next-generation connectivity, smart features, and software that evolves over time. It’s the same revolution we saw when smartphones became the standard.”
Leapmotor’s vehicles are packed with advanced features that wouldn’t look out of place in a premium vehicle. From seamless infotainment systems and real-time app connectivity to digital dashboards and voice controls, Leapmotor delivers a driving experience that is smooth, intuitive and fully modern.
A Closer look at the Leapmotor line-up
The Leapmotor T03 is compact on the outside, yet surprisingly spacious on the inside, with a high-quality finish and clever use of space. Drivers benefit from:
· Six airbags and ten advanced driver assistance features
· A panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade
· Bluetooth key and rear-view camera
· A 10” infotainment display with Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity
· Ultra-fast charging (30% to 80% in just 36 minutes)
Meanwhile, the Leapmotor C10 is the brand’s flagship electric SUV, recently unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show as part of Leapmotor’s bold international expansion plans. It features:
· A 69.9kWh battery with a 261-mile range
· 0–62mph in just 7.5 seconds
· 12-speaker HiFi surround system and dual-zone climate control
· Advanced safety systems and a 360° camera
· Luxurious comfort with heated, electric-adjust front seats
UK demand for Chinese EVs Is surging
Anthony Rockingham points to a broader trend: “The UK is currently the fastest-growing market for Chinese automotive brands. Leapmotor is proving to be a name drivers trust, not just for the price, but for the quality, innovation and value it delivers.”
Industry data supports this claim. Chinese EV manufacturers are gaining traction globally thanks to their ability to produce high-spec cars at lower prices – and UK buyers, in particular, are responding to the offer of greater tech at more accessible costs.
Cost-saving benefits that add up
With Leapmotor, it’s not just the low purchase price that makes sense. “EVs are significantly cheaper to run and maintain compared to petrol or diesel vehicles,” says Anthony.
“Those with a driveway and the ability to install a home charging point can save hundreds of pounds a year on fuel alone.”
Croxdale Group is helping drivers access the full benefits of EV ownership, including support with arranging home charging point installations, which can be subsidised by Government grants.
Confidence grows with better charging infrastructure
As the UK accelerates its EV rollout, charging infrastructure is improving rapidly – and County Durham is no exception. With more local charging points being installed all the time, and support for home charging growing, the barriers to going electric are being broken down. Anthony has previously spoken about the need for more work on the EV charging infrastructure, but in County Durham, things seem to be going in the right direction.
Leapmotor’s global vision
Leapmotor’s presence at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show highlighted its international ambitions, with the Leapmotor C10 as the first model to be rolled out globally under the Stellantis partnership. The company announced it will launch into nine European countries in 2024, with the UK a key priority market. The event also underscored Leapmotor’s commitment to delivering safe, connected, and stylish EVs that meet the needs of modern drivers across the world. The launch of the Leapmotor B10, a compact electric SUV is also on the horizon – watch this space!
Visit Croxdale Group to test drive the future
Leapmotor is one of eight brands available today at Croxdale Group – including Fiat & Abarth – making it a destination for anyone looking to purchase a vehicle or for service and repairs on an existing vehicle.
Almost 50% of all Brands available in Durham are under one roof at Croxdale Group.
It’s an exciting time to be part of the automotive industry – and Leapmotor is leading a new era of accessible, intelligent electric vehicles. With support from Stellantis, unbeatable price points, and next-gen features, Leapmotor offers drivers a unique blend of affordability and innovation.
To test drive a Leapmotor and experience the future of driving for yourself, visit Croxdale Group on the A167 in Durham today or go to www.croxdalegroup.com.