European governments are actively working to replace traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs), which are gaining popularity across the continent. In France, more than one-third of new vehicles sold are now electric, and this number is expected to grow. Chinese automakers are playing a significant role in this transition, with companies like BYD, Xpeng, and Leapmotor exploring various strategies, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which combine a traditional internal combustion engine with a battery-powered electric motor. BYD, one of China’s largest automakers, is focusing on PHEVs like its small Dolphin-G model, which is tailored for the European market. Leapmotor, a company acquired by the French-American automaker Stellantis, is also reportedly planning to expand its PHEV offerings beyond China. According to the CNEVPost website, Leapmotor, which was founded in 2015, intends to begin exporting rechargeable hybrid vehicles to Europe by mid-2027. However, the company has not yet provided details about whether these will be new models or updated versions of existing ones. One possible reason for Leapmotor’s interest in PHEVs is to avoid tariffs that currently apply only to fully electric vehicles made in China. However, this strategy might soon become less effective, as the European Union is considering imposing sanctions on electrified vehicles, including PHEVs. A recent study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) found that PHEVs are more environmentally harmful than previously thought, as they still rely on fossil fuels for part of their operation. Despite this, Leapmotor has already started producing some models in Europe and offers vehicles with range extenders, such as the C10. These vehicles use an internal combustion engine not directly connected to the wheels but instead to generate electricity to recharge the battery. Leapmotor, which has recently become profitable, has not yet announced specific details about its upcoming PHEV exports, including the models, target markets, or launch dates. However, the company has ambitious plans for international growth, aiming to sell between 350,000 and 400,000 vehicles outside of China by 2027. In the first eight months of 2026, Leapmotor exported 132,118 cars and is targeting 200,000 exports by the end of the year, nearly doubling its international sales in one year. This rapid growth makes expanding its PHEV lineup a key part of its strategy for global expansion.