Stellantis Eyes Leapmotor Deal for Opel Electric SUV

Stellantis moved closer to expanding its EV lineup through a potential partnership with Chinese automaker Leapmotor, with both companies reportedly in advanced talks to develop a new Opel electric SUV. The collaboration would leverage Leapmotor’s technology to accelerate development timelines and reduce costs, with production targeted to begin in 2028 at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain.

Stellantis explores Leapmotor tech for Opel EV development

The proposed Opel SUV would be built on Leapmotor’s architecture, likely sharing its underpinnings with the Chinese brand’s B10 compact SUV. By adopting an existing platform, Stellantis aimed to significantly cut both development time and engineering costs, an increasingly common strategy as legacy automakers race to scale EV offerings.

Under the reported structure, Leapmotor would supply key components and core technologies, including electrical and electronic systems, while Opel would handle exterior design. A substantial portion of research and development would also take place in China, reflecting the growing role of Chinese EV expertise in global vehicle programs, according to CNEV Post.

Production is expected to be based at Stellantis’ Zaragoza facility, which is also preparing to assemble Leapmotor models for the European market. The Opel SUV is projected to reach annual output of around 50,000 units once production begins.

Broader partnership signals deeper global EV strategy

The Opel project, internally referred to as “O3U,” is reportedly the most advanced among several joint initiatives under discussion between Stellantis and Leapmotor. Talks began in late 2025, with a potential agreement possible in the near term.

Beyond Opel, Stellantis is evaluating the use of Leapmotor’s platform for additional brands, including a possible Alfa Romeo model to maximize plant utilization in Spain. Discussions have also explored smaller EV segments, though those would require separate production setups.

The partnership builds on Stellantis’ €1.5 billion investment in Leapmotor in 2023, which secured a roughly 20% stake and made it the company’s largest external shareholder. Since then, Leapmotor has expanded rapidly into international markets using Stellantis’ global distribution network.

Separately, Stellantis is also assessing the possibility of producing Leapmotor vehicles at an idled plant in Canada, signaling further ambition to scale the collaboration beyond Europe. With Leapmotor targeting one million deliveries in 2026, the tie-up underscores how traditional automakers are increasingly turning to Chinese EV specialists to stay competitive.

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