Leapmotor D19 PHEV: A Seven-Seater Worth Watching for Novated Leasing
Leapmotor's D19 PHEV promises massive EV-only range in a 6–7 seat SUV. Here's what Australian salary packagers should know before it lands. Read more.
A new seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV is edging closer to Australia, and if you're considering a novated lease, it's worth paying attention. According to EV Central [Source 1], Leapmotor's D19 is a flagship PHEV SUV — available in six- or seven-seat configurations — with enough electric-only range that the brand is marketing it as a vehicle you barely need to plug in.
Leapmotor isn't a household name in Australia yet, but the Chinese EV brand has been quietly building a local presence. The D19 would sit at the top of their local lineup — a direct play for families who want a big SUV but aren't ready to go fully battery-electric.
What this means for novated lease customers
Here's the part where the novated leasing angle matters. PHEVs currently do not qualify for the FBT exemption that applies to battery-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles under the Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Act. So the D19, if confirmed as a PHEV, would be treated the same as a conventional car for FBT purposes — meaning no automatic exemption from fringe benefits tax.
That said, a novated lease on a PHEV can still offer real pre-tax benefits through the salary packaging structure — you're still paying for running costs and finance from your pre-tax income, which reduces your taxable income. The savings are just structured differently to a fully exempt EV. If you're comparing a PHEV novated lease against buying outright, the numbers can still stack up — but don't let anyone tell you a PHEV gets the same FBT treatment as a BEV, because it doesn't.
The D19's pricing and official Australian launch date haven't been confirmed yet [Source 1], so this is a vehicle to watch rather than one to act on today. When more details land, the novated lease conversation — residual values, balloon payments, and whether Leapmotor vehicles hold their value in the Australian used-car market — will become a lot more relevant.
Common questions
Does the Leapmotor D19 qualify for the FBT EV exemption?
Based on current information, the D19 is a PHEV — not a battery-electric vehicle. PHEVs do not qualify for the FBT exemption under current Australian law, which is limited to zero-emission vehicles (BEVs and hydrogen fuel cell cars).
Can I still novated lease a PHEV like the D19?
Yes. You can novated lease any eligible passenger vehicle, including PHEVs. You won't get the FBT exemption, but you can still benefit from pre-tax salary packaging of finance and running costs, which reduces your taxable income.
When is the Leapmotor D19 coming to Australia?
No official Australian launch date or confirmed pricing has been announced as of the time of writing. EV Central reports it is a vehicle Leapmotor's Australian push 'could soon include' — so watch this space.
Is Leapmotor a reliable brand for a novated lease?
That's the right question to ask. Residual values and parts/service availability matter a lot over a three-to-five year lease term. Leapmotor is an emerging brand in Australia, so it's worth monitoring how their local dealer and service network develops before committing.
What's the difference between a PHEV and a BEV for novated leasing purposes?
A BEV (battery-electric vehicle) currently attracts an FBT exemption in Australia, significantly improving the tax efficiency of a novated lease. A PHEV does not attract this exemption, so FBT is calculated in the normal way — though salary packaging benefits still apply.