Zeekr, a prominent player in China’s electric vehicle (EV) market, is gearing up to launch an updated version of its flagship model, the Zeekr 001, on February 27, potentially igniting a fierce price competition with its predecessor.
In an announcement today, Zeekr revealed that the launch event for the revamped Zeekr 001 is scheduled to commence at 8 pm Beijing Time on February 27, with display models already available in stores across the country.
See also: Updated Zeekr 001 Come With 95-kWh LFP Battery, Extending Range to 722 km
Adding to the excitement, Zeekr disclosed that Zhou Guanyu, China’s inaugural Formula 1 driver, has been appointed as the chief handling officer for the updated Zeekr 001, signaling the company’s commitment to marrying high-performance automotive engineering with motorsport expertise.
Originally introduced on April 17, 2021, with deliveries commencing in October of the same year, the Zeekr 001 swiftly became Zeekr’s flagship model and a cornerstone of its sales strategy.
The updated Zeekr 001 made its way into the regulatory filing catalog of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) last month, laying the groundwork for its impending debut.
See also: Zeekr 001 FR Demonstrates Tank Turn Ability, Challenges Tesla’s Model S Plaid in Performance Metrics
According to specifications outlined in its filing page, the new Zeekr 001 boasts dimensions of 4,977 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,545/1,533 mm in height, with a wheelbase spanning 3,005 mm. A notable comparison with its predecessor reveals slight adjustments in dimensions, enhancing the model’s overall appeal.
One of the defining features of the new Zeekr 001 lies in its battery options, which include lithium ternary and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) variants sourced from leading battery manufacturers CATL and Zeekr’s subsidiary Jidian. Moreover, the updated model offers advanced functionalities such as LiDAR technology and air suspension, setting it apart from its predecessor.
See also: Zeekr To Launch Performance-focused Zeekr 001 FR Variant, Price Expected Around $139,000
The timing of Zeekr’s update to the Zeekr 001 coincides with a period of heightened competition within China’s EV industry, characterized by aggressive pricing strategies adopted by various manufacturers seeking to capture market share.
In a separate development, Zeekr announced today a significant milestone for its Zeekr 007 sedan, with the production of the 10,000th vehicle rolling off the assembly line. Launched on December 27, the Zeekr 007 debuted with a competitive starting price of RMB 209,900 ($29,190), positioning itself as Zeekr’s entry into the mainstream EV market segment.