Leapmotor B03 electric hatch approved for sale in Australia, positioning it against BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2
The Chinese brand's small electric hatchback has received Australian government approval with two front-wheel-drive powertrains, though Leapmotor has yet to confirm local pricing, batteries or an on-sale date, as CarExpert reported.
Synthesised from the cited sources. Research, writing and factual checks are automated using AI. Verify details against the sources. How we produce these reports
Approval puts the B03 on the Australian radar
The Leapmotor B03 compact electric hatchback has been given government approval to go on sale in Australia, potentially adding another contender at the price-leading end of the local EV market alongside the BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2, as CarExpert reported. The certification covers two front-wheel-drive electric motors: a 130kW base unit and a more powerful 145kW variant. Both produce 200Nm of torque in European specification. 1
Approval is not the same as confirmation for sale. Leapmotor has yet to confirm Australian pricing, specifications or an on-sale date for the B03, and CarExpert's report of the filing does not specify which battery options will be offered locally. The B03, badged A05S in China, was launched there with order books opening, but pricing and full specifications were still to be announced at that time, CarExpert reported. 12
What the certification filing reveals
The Australian filing covers the 130kW and 145kW motors, both driving the front wheels. Australian-bound cars will ride on 16- or 17-inch wheels with 205/55 tyres regardless of rim size, according to the filing details reported by CarExpert. The filing does not detail which batteries will be available locally. 1
Chinese-market versions of the B03 use smaller 70kW/150Nm and 90kW/150Nm motors paired with 39.8kWh and 53.0kWh lithium iron phosphate batteries respectively, CarExpert reported at the hatch's launch. The higher-output European specification, which CarExpert suggested is the more likely candidate should the B03 reach Australia, maps to the closely related B03X small SUV: there, the 130kW motor pairs with the 39.8kWh battery for a 292km WLTP range and a claimed 8.6-second 0-100km/h time, while the 145kW motor comes with the 53kWh battery, a 382km WLTP range figure and DC fast-charging at up to 133kW, also at a claimed 8.6 seconds to 100km/h. Leapmotor claims up to 389km WLTP for the B03 itself, expected to apply to the larger 53.0kWh battery, with the lower and more aerodynamic hatch expected to be slightly more efficient and faster than its SUV sibling — an expectation rather than a published figure. 12
Platform, packaging and cabin equipment
The B03 is essentially a hatchback version of the B03X compact SUV and is built on the same LEAP 3.5 underpinnings as the B10, featuring an 800V electrical architecture, a new thermal management system, cell-to-chassis 2.0+ battery integration and multi-link rear suspension, CarExpert reported at launch. It measures 4175mm long, 1790mm wide and 1560mm tall on a 2605mm wheelbase — longer than a Toyota Yaris but shorter than a Corolla, and with a shorter wheelbase than most rivals except the Hyundai Inster at 2580mm. 12
Cabin equipment on the launched Chinese version includes a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera, over-the-air software updates and a flat-floor design, with advanced driver assistance systems using LiDAR. Chinese-market models also offer rear-seat tray tables and a powered tailgate. Exterior options include a two-tone scheme with seven body colours, including a pink floating roof with black paint, and synthetic leather upholstery in black, pink, oatmeal and myrtle. CarExpert noted Australian versions could receive their own suspension tune, citing earlier comments from Leapmotor International's Francesco Giacalone — a possibility, not a confirmed local specification. 2
The sub-$30,000 rivals it would face
If the B03 lands under $30,000 — a price point CarExpert describes as widely expected for the related B03X, implying the hatch could sit below that mark — it would enter a thinly populated segment. At the time of the certification report, only three EVs occupied that price zone, all priced as standard list prices excluding on-road costs: the entry-level BYD Atto 1 Essential from $23,990 with a 65kW/175Nm motor, 30kWh battery and 220km WLTP range; the Geely EX2 Complete at $26,490 with 60kW/150Nm, a 35kWh battery and 252km WLTP range; and the BYD Dolphin Essential at $29,990 with 70kW/180Nm, a 45kWh battery and 340km WLTP range. 1
The Atto 1 range also includes a $27,990 Premium grade with a 115kW/220Nm motor, 43kWh battery and 310km WLTP range, CarExpert reported. Earlier coverage at the B03's Chinese launch placed the Geely EX2 from $24,490 before on-road costs in Australia and forecast the B03 could start close to $25,000 should it arrive, though that predates the certification and remains an estimate. 12
Where the B03X sits in Leapmotor's rollout
The B03's sibling, the B03X small SUV, is further along the path: CarExpert lists it as due in Australian showrooms from November 2026 with a base price of $29,990 drive-away, making it Australia's cheapest electric SUV. Neither of the smaller B-Series models was confirmed for Australian showrooms at the hatch's launch, though the B03X was effectively locked in after Australian Design Rule applications were lodged, CarExpert reported. The B03 is described as potentially the next new Leapmotor model after the B03X. 23
Context for the push: Leapmotor is 20 per cent owned and distributed internationally by Stellantis, and its Australian sales rose 152.1 per cent year-on-year between January and June 2026, led by the B10 small SUV with 511 deliveries alongside 268 C10 sales, CarExpert reported. The B05 small hatch was due to arrive in Australia to rival the MG 4, while the B03 and B03X have so far been launched exclusively as battery-electric models, unlike the B10 and C10 which also offer extended-range powertrains. 2
AI evidence finder
Ask about this article
Ask a question to find relevant published passages and source links. AI selects evidence; the passages remain exactly as published.
Behind this report
Sources & context
Cited source mix
3 cited pages across 1 website
- News publisher 3
Website breakdown
- CarExpertcarexpert.com.au3 pages
Publisher roles are documented for all cited pages. Websites may share ownership or repeat the same reporting.
Saved research extracts
3 / 3 cited pages with saved extracts
0 shortened at our text limit · 0 without a saved-extract record
Extracts retrieved 21 Oct 2026.
Extracts can omit page content. These counts do not verify claims or measure independent reporting. Political leaning and reliability are not rated.
- Leapmotor B03: Bargain EV approved for sale in Australia - CarExpertNews publisherSource extract saved
Why these labels?Leapmotor B03: Bargain EV approved for sale in Australia - CarExpert
Who produced it
Publishes automotive news and reviews and operates a car-buying service connecting buyers with dealers. Identity reference ↗
How this report uses it
Cited in 7 paragraphs: Approval puts the B03 on the Australian radar; What the certification filing reveals; Platform, packaging and cabin equipment; The sub-$30,000 rivals it would face.
This describes its use in our report. It does not establish the source’s editorial stance or independently corroborate every claim.
Evidence record
Text retrieved 21 Oct 2026. The retained extract did not reach our text limit. Extraction can still omit page content.
- Leapmotor B03 electric hatch unveiled as Geely EX2 rival | CarExpertNews publisherSource extract saved
Why these labels?Leapmotor B03 electric hatch unveiled as Geely EX2 rival | CarExpert
Who produced it
Publishes automotive news and reviews and operates a car-buying service connecting buyers with dealers. Identity reference ↗
How this report uses it
Cited in 7 paragraphs: Approval puts the B03 on the Australian radar; What the certification filing reveals; Platform, packaging and cabin equipment; The sub-$30,000 rivals it would face; Where the B03X sits in Leapmotor's rollout.
This describes its use in our report. It does not establish the source’s editorial stance or independently corroborate every claim.
Evidence record
Text retrieved 21 Oct 2026. The retained extract did not reach our text limit. Extraction can still omit page content.
- Leapmotor Reviews, Price and SpecificationsNews publisherSource extract saved
Why these labels?Leapmotor Reviews, Price and Specifications
Who produced it
Publishes automotive news and reviews and operates a car-buying service connecting buyers with dealers. Identity reference ↗
How this report uses it
Cited in 1 paragraph: Where the B03X sits in Leapmotor's rollout.
This describes its use in our report. It does not establish the source’s editorial stance or independently corroborate every claim.
Evidence record
Text retrieved 21 Oct 2026. The retained extract did not reach our text limit. Extraction can still omit page content.
Keep reading
Related subjects and more from this section.
Geely EX2 faces the MG4 Urban: what the road tests and specs reveal about Australia's cheapest EV hatch duel
Australia's second-cheapest electric car has landed against the MG 4 EV Urban, and the verified road-test evidence points to a clear split: the Geely wins on cabin quality, practicality and efficiency, while the MG counters with more space, more performance and longer range.
