Zeekr 001 Debuts with 1,000 km Range

With a new battery, the Zeekr 001 begins 2023 with a version promising over 1,000 km of range in China. But what about Europe?

The Geely group continues to impress in the automotive world. Its recent brand Zeekr, created in 2021 to serve as the high-end counterpart to Lynk&Co, has made a notable entry. The first car, the Zeekr 001 station wagon, was launched successfully 18 months ago. This model even surpassed 70,000 units sold in China in 2022, with over 10,000 units sold monthly this fall.

1032 km of range with a new battery

But the Zeekr 001 is already evolving. The 2023 model year brings a major update: a third version equipped with a 140 kWh battery, from the new Qilin generation designed by the leading battery manufacturer CATL.

This enormous capacity, surpassing 108.4 kWh in a Mercedes EQS or the 111 kWh in the BMW i7 and Volvo EX90, will provide over 1,000 kilometers of range. This is in theory, since the exact 1032 km are based on the Chinese CLTC cycle, not the more stringent European WLTP standard we are familiar with. Nonetheless, it joins the exclusive club of cars exceeding 1,000 km per charge, alongside the Nio ET7 with its 150 kWh battery.

Additional modifications include three new colors and electrically operated doors (optional). The interior, featuring a large 14.7-inch central touch screen, remains unchanged. As an option in the Z Sport pack, the Chinese station wagon can include 22-inch wheels, Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers, sport seats, and Alcantara upholstery. Currently available in China, the 001 costs between 300,000 and 386,000 yuan for the 86 and 100 kWh variants, roughly €41,200 to €53,000. The 100 kWh version is also available with 200 kW (272 hp) and 400 kW (544 hp) motors.

Zeekr 001 in Europe from 2023?

Like many Chinese electric vehicles, there is a strong temptation to establish a presence in Europe. While MG, Aiways, and Lynk&Co have already begun in France, Zeekr has yet to set foot (or wheels).

This is expected to change soon, as the brand’s CEO, Andy An, confirmed to Reuters that it will arrive in Europe. With the support of the Old Continent and the new electric minivan “009,” Zeekr aims to double sales to 140,000 units in 2023. The idea of the Zeekr 001 rolling into France this year is tempting, but not yet guaranteed.

Also read: Polestar 3: the upcoming electric SUV, and for France?