Skip advert
Advertisement

Leapmotor T03 now starts from under £13,000

The Leapmotor T03 was Britain’s cheapest electric car for less than a day

Leapmotor T03 - front cornering

Leapmotor's price cut of £3,000 to reduce the T03 electric hatchback to just £12,995 made it the cheapest EV on sale in the UK, for all of 15 hours. That's because Dacia was quick to respond the next day by reducing the Spring's price tag by £4,000 - to £11,990. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Technically speaking, the Leapmotor's new price tag is not a permanent price reduction, rather a doubling of the £1,500 price reduction Leapmotor applied to its T03 to match the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant. However, this technicality makes no difference to consumers. We feel it might just disappoint some who have recently taken the plunge and bought a T03 at the retail price. 

While the Dacia Spring might be a tad cheaper, the Leapmotor T03 is still ahead in terms of range with a 165-mile maximum and standard equipment. The kit list includes a panoramic sunroof, active cruise control, LED headlights, a rear parking camera, alloy wheels and keyless start, none of which are offered on the Dacia. There's still a 95bhp electric motor in the T03, making the 0-62mph a 12.7-second task with a top speed of 81mph.

While the T03 is not a firm favourite here at Auto Express, for just £12,995 it does make a case for itself in terms of pure value. The last time the average price for a new car sat under that figure was in 1988. In the here and now such a low price represents incredible value, and with Dacia's swift response, this could signal a price war that might erupt in the UK market, especially among the new Chinese companies trying to establish a foothold. 

The new discount will apply to all models purchased after the 1st of July and isn’t limited in terms of numbers. 

Did you know you can sell your car through Auto Express? We’ll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
News editor

News editor at Auto Express, Jordan joined the team after six years at evo magazine where he specialised in news and reviews of cars at the high performance end of the car market. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best small cars to buy 2026
Best small cars 07_2026

Best small cars to buy 2026

Small cars come in all shapes, if not sizes. Here we highlight the best ones to buy
Best cars & vans
13 Jul 2026
Cheapest electric cars on sale 2026
Cheapest electric cars header - May 2025

Cheapest electric cars on sale 2026

EVs were often dismissed for being too expensive, but times are changing and these electric cars are flying the low-cost flag
Best cars & vans
28 Apr 2026
Cheapest cars to buy 2026
Cheapest car to buy - April 2026 header image

Cheapest cars to buy 2026

Searching for a brand-new bargain? These are the cheapest cars in the UK right now
Best cars & vans
23 Apr 2026
New Leapmotor T03 LCV revealed, and it could become Britain’s cheapest new van
Leapmotor T03 LCV - side static

New Leapmotor T03 LCV revealed, and it could become Britain’s cheapest new van

The Leapmotor T03 LCV could be the ideal choice for last-mile delivery drivers
News
16 Apr 2026

Most Popular

New Peugeot 308 to get radical fastback looks
Peugeot 308 Fastback render - front 3_4 Avarvarii

New Peugeot 308 to get radical fastback looks

Peugeot knows buyers are moving from hatchbacks to SUVs, so it’s considering a very different look for the 308
News
17 Aug 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Volvo XC40 is a practical family SUV for under £300 a month
Volvo XC40 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Volvo XC40 is a practical family SUV for under £300 a month

A Volvo XC40 still offers plenty of style and panache despite its advancing years. It’s our Deal of the Day for 17 August.
News
17 Aug 2026
New Hyundai Ioniq 3 on sale now in the UK with prices under £22k
Alastair Crooks with the Hyundai Ioniq 3

New Hyundai Ioniq 3 on sale now in the UK with prices under £22k

Up to 308 miles of range and the latest infotainment technology could make the Ioniq 3 a tough competitor
News
17 Aug 2026

Find a car with the experts