Zeekr, a luxury electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer owned by Chinese company Geely, is set to make its European debut in 2024. Having sold an impressive 71,941 vehicles in China last year alone, Zeekr is well-financed and able to invest heavily in its rapid expansion. Currently, Zeekr offers two EV models: the 001 wagon and the 009 MPV, with the upcoming Zeekr X crossover set to enter production later this year.
The Zeekr 001 is particularly impressive, as it can be equipped with a massive 140 kWh battery that delivers a staggering 641-mile range. The standard 86 kWh battery is also impressive, while a mid-range 100 kWh unit is also available. Prices for the 001 start at around $45,000 in China. Meanwhile, the luxury 009 MPV starts at $72,650 and can be equipped with either a 116 kWh or 140 kWh battery, offering impressive ranges of 436 miles and 510 miles respectively.
While it’s unclear which models Zeekr will sell in Europe, there are strong indications that a new sedan called the CS1E, which is roughly the size of a Tesla Model 3, is in development. However, it remains to be seen whether Zeekr will launch in the UK and Irish markets, as its focus appears to be primarily on mainland Europe for now.
Zeekr has big ambitions, with plans to sell 650,000 vehicles annually by 2025. Its goal is not only to compete with Tesla but also to take on traditional luxury brands such as BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. The company is expected to launch in the US in 2024, but details of its North American expansion remain undisclosed at this time.
With its impressive range and well-funded expansion plans, Zeekr could well become a significant player in the global EV market. As the push towards sustainable transportation continues, it will be interesting to see how this emerging luxury brand fares against established competitors.
