A modified Zeekr 7X has become the first battery-electric vehicle to successfully climb Abu Dhabi’s Moreeb Dune, completing the ascent in a record time of 7.343 seconds during the Moreeb Dune Cars Championship at the Liwa International Festival.
The run, recorded on Dec. 31, 2025, marked the fastest time in both the electric vehicle and hybrid categories at the event, which is traditionally dominated by internal combustion engine vehicles. Moreeb Dune, located on the edge of the Rub’ al Khali desert, is widely regarded as one of the most demanding dune climbs in motorsport, featuring a roughly 300-metre ascent and a slip-face with gradients of up to 50 degrees.
The vehicle used for the attempt was based on the Zeekr 7X AWD Performance variant, equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 646 horsepower and 710 Nm of torque. The electric SUV operates on an 800-volt electrical architecture and uses a torque-vectoring system to manage traction under extreme conditions.
Preparation of the vehicle was coordinated by AW Rostamani Group, the exclusive distributor of Zeekr in the United Arab Emirates. Modifications included off-road-specific tyres and suspension enhancements, while the standard electric powertrain configuration was retained.
“We’ve proven that an electric vehicle can outperform its traditional counterparts in the heart of our iconic desert landscape,” said Roberto Colucci, director of electric vehicles at AW Rostamani Group.
The achievement highlights the growing performance capabilities of electric vehicles in extreme environments, an area historically associated with combustion-powered drivetrains. The Liwa International Festival attracts participants and spectators from across the region and serves as a showcase for vehicle performance in desert conditions.