Leapmotor and Zeekr smash sales records, challenge Tesla with new tech

Chinese Tesla challengers Leapmotor and Zeekr posted record deliveries in June 2026 for a second consecutive month, fueled by advanced battery and self-driving technologies. Stellantis-backed Leapmotor delivered 93,376 electric vehicles, up 94.5% year-on-year, while Geely-owned Zeekr delivered 35,169 units, a 110.6% jump. These startups are undercutting Tesla on price—Leapmotor sells midsize smart EVs at roughly half the cost of comparable Tesla models—and leveraging tech innovations to attract buyers amid weak consumer spending on big-ticket items.

Tesla has yet to release its June China sales, but its Shanghai Gigafactory produces only Model 3 and Model Y vehicles priced above 200,000 yuan (~$29,441). In May, it delivered 47,281 vehicles in mainland China, up 22.5% year-on-year. Analysts note that Leapmotor, Zeekr, along with Xpeng, Nio, and Xiaomi, are emerging as winners in China's EV market, though they represent a small portion of the industry. Their technological edge and compelling new models are driving demand, intensifying competition for Tesla in the world's largest auto market.