Geely’s electric car brand, Zeekr, has commenced deliveries of the Zeekr 001 model in China, featuring CATL’s Qilin batteries. The Zeekr 001 WE variant, equipped with an optional 140 kWh battery, boasts a range of up to 1,032 kilometers based on Chinese standards.
The newly introduced model variant is priced at 403,000 yuan (approximately 53,000 euros), in comparison to the Zeekr 001 WE with a 100 kWh battery, which is priced at 300,000 yuan (about 39,500 euros). Consequently, the Qilin battery incurs an additional cost of 103,000 yuan (roughly 13,500 euros). Initially, this version will be limited to a production run of 1,000 units. Accordingly, the total price for the highest-tier Zeekr 001 variant amounts to 403,000 RMB (approximately 53,071 euros).
Approximately a month ago, Zeekr initiated the delivery launch of the Zeekr 009 electric van, also featuring the Qilin battery, in China. Zeekr has previously announced plans to expand its presence to Europe this year, with an initial focus on offering the Zeekr 001 and the new Zeekr X model in Sweden and the Netherlands.
Zeekr holds the distinction of being the first manufacturer to utilize CATL’s innovative Qilin batteries, as announced in August of last year. The Qilin batteries employ CATL’s third-generation cell-to-pack (CTP) battery technology, delivering an impressive volume-based usage efficiency of over 72 percent, setting a new record. To provide context, the first generation of cell-to-pack (CtP) technology achieved a usage efficiency of 50 percent. The battery technology was introduced in June of last year, with plans for series production to commence in the present year.
