On June 1, Zeekr, a brand under Geely, delivered the Zeekr 001 WE electric vehicle at the CATL headquarters in China. This model comes with CATL’s cutting-edge CTP 3.0 Qilin batteries, offering an impressive 1,032 km CLTC cruising range. The introduction of the Zeekr 001 WE marks a significant milestone as it becomes the world’s first mass-produced vehicle equipped with Qilin batteries capable of exceeding 1,000 km on a single charge.
Customers can choose from two battery capacity configurations for the WE version. The first option is a 100 kWh battery capacity, providing a range of 741 km and an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. This variant starts at 300,000 yuan (approximately $42,300 USD). The second option is a 140 kWh battery capacity, offering an extended range and starts at 403,000 yuan (approximately $56,900 USD).
In a battery life evaluation video posted on Weibo by a Chinese netizen on May 26, the Zeekr 001 WE was put to the test. The netizen drove the vehicle from Golmud, Qinghai Province and returned without any charging halfway, covering a distance of 922.9 km over a span of 11 hours. This impressive journey included driving through high-altitude areas exceeding 3,000 meters. The netizen adjusted the car’s air conditioner to 23 degrees Celsius and set the energy recovery level to low. The Zeekr 001 WE showcased remarkable endurance, highlighting its ability to handle long-distance travel without compromising performance.
The evaluation data revealed that the Zeekr 001 achieved an actual battery life of 922.9 km, with 714.2 km covered on highways and 208.7 km on national highways and city roads. The average speed maintained was 79 km/hr, with an energy consumption rate of 14.7 kWh per 100 km.
CATL, in collaboration with Zeekr, introduced the Qilin batteries as the third generation of its CTP (cell-to-pack) technology on June 23, 2022. These batteries boast a volume utilization efficiency of 72% and an impressive energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg, enabling the Zeekr 001 WE to achieve a range of over 1,000 km. Qilin batteries utilize a multi-functional elastic interlayer and a water-cooled plate design, replacing the previous modular approach. This innovative design improves battery life, fast charging capabilities, safety, efficiency, and low-temperature performance. In March of this year, Qilin batteries officially entered mass production.
The 140 kWh battery version of the Zeekr 001 WE features a rear motor equipped with silicon carbide technology, resulting in a 38 km increase in the CLTC cruising range. Additionally, this variant offers three adjustable energy recovery levels, allowing drivers to choose between low, medium, and high modes according to their preference.
Earlier in May, the Zeekr 001 WE began its official delivery with a 140 kWh battery capacity. However, Zeekr Auto has not yet disclosed the current delivery data, as the model is still in the process of being delivered to customers.
With the successful introduction of the Zeekr 001 WE equipped with CATL’s Qilin batteries, the electric vehicle industry witnesses another significant advancement in battery technology and long-range capabilities. This development brings us closer to a future of sustainable transportation, offering consumers a viable and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
