- Leapmotor filed for the A05 compact EV with a LiDAR option, targeting the budget segment.
- The move mirrors BYD's recent strategy of adding advanced sensors to affordable models like the Seagull to enhance competitiveness.
Advanced autonomous driving sensors are accelerating their entry into China's budget electric vehicle (EV) market, as a new pure-electric compact car from Leapmotor, the A05, was revealed in a regulatory filing.
The compact EV entered the latest catalog of vehicles soon to be allowed for sale by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and will offer optional configurations of front binocular cameras and a roof-mounted LiDAR.
This marks that the sensor, once exclusive to premium models, is being brought to more affordable vehicles.
Leapmotor's move closely follows the footsteps of BYD. In January this year, BYD added a LiDAR option to its cheapest $10,000 Seagull model.
The slightly higher-priced BYD Dolphin model was also revealed in a January filing to be equipped with the sensor.
LiDAR is seen as a key component for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), capable of significantly improving obstacle recognition capabilities.
The all-new Leapmotor A05 model measures 4,200 millimeters in length and has a wheelbase reaching 2,605 mm, according to the filing information published on Friday.
It is expected to compete with popular compact EV models such as the BYD Dolphin and Geely's Xingyuan.
In terms of power, the Leapmotor A05 will offer 70 kW or 90 kW drive motor options. It will be paired with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from Gotion High-tech or Zenergy.
The automaker, backed by European auto giant Stellantis, is attempting to boost sales through new models.
Its vehicle deliveries in February fell 12.45% month-on-month to 28,067 vehicles, partly impacted by the Chinese New Year holiday.
Earlier this month, Leapmotor announced plans to begin pre-sales of another all-new small SUV model, the A10, on March 26, with the top-trim price expected to be below RMB 100,000 ($14,500).
The company is marching toward its ambitious goal of reaching 1 million vehicle sales in 2026. Bringing premium sensors and technologies down to budget models is seen as a key strategy for it to gain market share.
($1 = 6.8960 yuan)
