Last year, in 2025, a once-overlooked brand raced ahead to claim the title of the Chinese mainland's No.1 EV startup. Meet Leapmotor 🏎️—the underdog turned game-changer in the electric vehicle world.
In this exclusive breakdown, CGTN reporter Wang Tianyu reveals how Leapmotor quietly played the long game and zoomed past heavyweights and fierce rivals. Here's the playbook:
- 🔋 Focus on core tech: Leapmotor invested steadily in battery efficiency and motor performance, keeping costs lean and range high.
- 💡 Smart pricing & market fit: By targeting mid-range budgets, they tapped into a massive pool of young professionals craving style and value.
- ⚡ Direct-to-consumer model: Skipping traditional dealerships, Leapmotor used online sales and pop-up showrooms to build hype and cut markups.
- 🌐 Global partnerships: Collaborations with overseas suppliers tightened the supply chain, ensuring smooth production and delivery.
- 🔥 Steady hype: Social media teasers, fan events, and influencer tie-ins created buzz without loud PR stunts.
By blending innovation with patience, Leapmotor turned underdog status into a powerful brand story. As the EV race accelerates in 2026, industry watchers and investors alike are keeping an eye on this stealthy disruptor.
For young entrepreneurs and electric car fans, Leapmotor's rise is proof that a solid long-term strategy can outpace flash-in-the-pan tactics. 🚀 Stay tuned—more surprises are likely on the horizon!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
