RZ electrical vehicle from Lexus makes local debut
Lexus South Africa new RZ, the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery electric vehicle (BEV), has arrived on local shores.
- Product News
- 5 March 2026
Leapmotor at Stellantis South Africa announced a partnership agreement with boutique car rental company, Drive Electric, to make premium electric mobility more accessible to local driving consumers.
Drive Electric brands itself as South Africa’s first vehicle rental provider with an exclusively electric vehicle (EV) fleet.
As part of the agreement, Leapmotor will supply Drive Electric with a fleet of Leapmotor C10 REEV (range extender electric vehicle). These vehicles will be added to Drive Electric’s existing electric fleet, strengthening the company’s ability to deliver premium rental, executive transport and chauffeur-driven services built around electric mobility.
“Leapmotor represents a new generation of intelligent electric vehicles that align closely with Drive Electric’s vision of premium, tech-forward mobility,” says Janus Janse van Rensburg, Head of Marketing and Sales for Leapmotor at Stellantis South Africa.
“The C10 REEV is designed around real-world electric use,” Janus says. “It enables full electric commuting while providing the confidence of extended range for longer journeys, supported by advanced technology and a refined interior experience.”
For Drive Electric, the partnership supports its strategy of delivering seamless electric mobility at scale. “We chose to partner with Leapmotor because of their world-renowned innovative mobility solutions, aiming to shape the future of transport and electric mobility,” says Chris O’Connor, Founder and CEO of Drive Electric.
“For premium rental and chauffeur-driven services like ours, reliability, range and passenger experience are critical. The C10 REEV delivers on all three through top-tier comfort, advanced safety and intuitive smart technology,” Chris says.
The Leapmotor C10 REEV operates exclusively as an electric vehicle, driven by an electric motor, while a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine is used as a generator to maintain battery charge when needed. This enables everyday electric driving while extending the range for longer journeys, without having to search for charging stations along the route.
With an electric-only range suited to daily commuting and a combined range approaching 1 000km with generator assistance, the C10 REEV bridges the gap between full battery electric vehicles and conventional hybrids. Fast DC charging enables rapid top-ups, while AC charging supports convenient overnight charging.
Inside, the Leapmotor C10 REEV offers a spacious five-seat cabin designed around comfort, connectivity and refinement. High-quality materials, power-adjustable seating and advanced climate control contribute to a calm and comfortable environment.
The digital cockpit features a large central infotainment display, intuitive smart controls and over-the-air software updates, making sure the vehicle stays current throughout its life. There’s also a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver assistance systems to support confident and relaxed driving.
The Leapmotor C10 REEV is integrated into the Drive Electric rental platform (www.driveelectric.co.za) and will soon be available to customers in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Lexus South Africa new RZ, the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery electric vehicle (BEV), has arrived on local shores.
Chery’s luxury brand, a stand-alone nameplate has arrived in South Africa with more larger models (L8) that will be added to the Lepas line-up later.
The global automotive sector enters 2026 amid profound and rapid transformation, defined by technological acceleration, shifting policies and evolving consumer priorities., according to a white paper published by Messe Frankfurt in partnership with Frost & Sullivan.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
The global race to commercialise solid-state batteries (SSBs) is intensifying, with major vehicle manufacturers and start-ups announcing significant milestones as they edge closer to bringing the technology into production vehicles.
Leapmotor has launched the Leapmotor App in South Africa, giving C10 REEV customers seamless smartphone-based access to their vehicle and connected services.
Ethiopia’s decision to prohibit the import of petrol and diesel vehicles in 2024 has set in motion a rapid restructuring of its transport sector, prompting a remarkable surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EV).