Stellantis India’s Shailesh Hazela on Leapmotor, Nepal, and the EV Revolution
As global automotive giants accelerate their shift toward electrification, Stellantis made a strategic move in 2023 by acquiring a 51% controlling stake in China-based EV startup, Leapmotor, forming the joint venture Leapmotor International. This partnership is focused on expanding the global reach of affordable, modern electric vehicles—and in 2024, Leapmotor officially entered the Nepalese market as part of this global push.
In an exclusive conversation with Nepal Drives, Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India, shares his thoughts on Nepal’s EV potential, Leapmotor’s unique advantages, and the growing relevance of electric mobility across diverse geographies.
How does Leapmotor view the potential of Nepal’s EV market?
Leapmotor’s vision is rooted in sustainable energy, advanced technology, and future-ready mobility—all at an affordable price point. That aligns beautifully with the Nepali market. What excites us most is how open the people of Nepal are to adopting new technologies. They aren’t afraid to experiment or embrace forward-looking solutions, and Leapmotor fits perfectly into that mindset.
It's also worth highlighting that China has emerged as the global R&D hub for electric mobility. Leapmotor’s technology comes directly from there, giving us a strong foundation to introduce reliable, advanced EVs tailored to local needs.
What gives Leapmotor an edge in affordability and technology?
There are several areas where Leapmotor has a distinct edge. Let’s start with safety—our vehicles have earned 5-star safety ratings from both Global NCAP and Euro NCAP. We use submarine-grade steel in the body structure, which can handle extremely heavy loads without compromising integrity.
From a technology standpoint, our vehicles run on the latest Snapdragon chipsets and support OTA (Over-the-Air) updates, which ensure the systems remain constantly updated. Leapmotor has seen remarkable global growth—last year alone, we sold over 300,000 vehicles globally, and we expect that number to rise even further this year.
How do EVs compare with ICE vehicles in terms of cost-efficiency?
It's true that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are often cheaper to manufacture initially. But this is where government policy can tip the balance—either through subsidies for EVs or penalties on polluting vehicles.
When you take a lifecycle view, EVs clearly come out on top. Electricity is much cheaper than fuel, and EVs require minimal maintenance due to fewer moving parts. So while the upfront cost may still be higher in some markets, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower—making EVs the more economical choice in the long run.
What EV adoption trends are you seeing in rural and semi-urban areas?
In rural and semi-urban areas, the focus shifts to reliability and long-term performance. While urban consumers are typically early adopters, rural buyers want proof—especially regarding performance in difficult terrain and road conditions.
They ask important questions: Does the vehicle handle long distances comfortably? Will it reduce fatigue? Can it be serviced locally? Leapmotor checks all these boxes. It’s durable, comfortable, serviceable, and most importantly, affordable. That makes it a viable option from urban streets to remote villages.
Do you see potential for India–Nepal collaboration in the EV sector?
Absolutely. Both countries bring different strengths to the table, and there’s a lot to learn from one another. Nepal’s progress in EV infrastructure is especially impressive. For instance, range anxiety is still a concern in India, but in Nepal, the charging ecosystem is far more normalized.
I was genuinely impressed by how seamlessly EV charging has become part of everyday life in Nepal. This kind of widespread acceptance shows how quickly electric mobility can become the norm with the right policies and consumer mindset.
How crucial is government policy to your strategy for entering markets like Nepal?
Nepal is a textbook example of how effective government policy can shape an entire ecosystem. By leveraging its abundant hydropower and low-cost electricity, the Nepali government has created the perfect foundation for EV adoption.
Supportive tax structures, purchase incentives, and infrastructure investments have made the switch to EVs far more accessible. That said, there’s still work to be done—especially around financing options and ensuring long-term infrastructure sustainability. But we’re optimistic because the government seems well aware of these challenges and is actively addressing them.
