Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle brand under Geely, has revealed plans to develop a new electric-hybrid technology designed for larger vehicles, including SUVs and MPVs. The announcement was made by Zeekr CEO An Conghui during an earnings call, with the new hybrid models expected to debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025, followed by an official launch in the second half of the year.
Initially, Zeekr’s mission was to focus solely on the pure electric vehicle market. However, in August 2023, An Conghui had emphasized that the brand had no intentions of entering the hybrid segment. A shift in strategy became apparent in July 2024 when the company acknowledged the possibility of range-extended models. By August 2024, Zeekr officially confirmed that it would launch both pure electric and hybrid vehicles, with a flagship SUV being the first to feature the newly developed hybrid powertrain. “This hybrid system will offer users enhanced power and range, driving in EV mode at lower speeds and switching to the internal combustion engine (ICE) for highway use,” An Conghui explained.
Spy photos of a hybrid version of the Zeekr 001, spotted in China during road tests in September, have hinted at the company’s plans. The test model appeared similar to the recently launched 2024 Zeekr 001, with no significant external changes, suggesting that the hybrid powertrain would be integrated into existing vehicle designs. The hybrid version of the Zeekr 001 is expected to follow the launch of the initial hybrid models.
The move aligns Zeekr with other pure EV manufacturers, such as Avatr, Xpeng, and Nio, who are also expanding into hybrid vehicles. Hybrid models have gained significant traction in the Chinese market, with companies like Li Auto and Aito achieving notable success with their range-extended electric vehicles (EREVs). This strategic pivot to offer both BEVs and PHEVs is part of a broader effort by Geely to consolidate its high-end brands under the Zeekr name, aiming to better compete in the competitive Chinese automotive market.
Sources: ITHome