Geely's premium EV, the Zeekr 001 debuts in China, around RM177k

Zeekr has launched its first car, the Zeekr 001 at an event held at the Zeekr Intelligent Factory in Hangzhou Bay, China. After government subsidies, the Zeekr 001 fetches a price around 281,000 Yuan (RM 177,000).

The Tesla Model 3 starts at a price of 249,900 Yuan (RM 158,119), slightly cheaper than the Zeekr 001.

Zeekr is the new pure electric brand from Geely Holding Group, and plans to take on the premium EV domain.

Also Read: Geely's new EV-only premium sub-brand Zeekr aims at Tesla

The Zeekr 001 was designed with the mandate “No More Boring EVs”. Built on Geely Holding’s SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform, the Zeekr 001 was already teased ahead of it launch via the Lynk & Co Zero Concept.

Also Read: Zeekr 001 revealed: it was the Lynk and Co Zero Concept all along

Two battery options are available for the Zeekr 001 – 86 kWh and 100 kWh. Geely claims a 700 km electric range, but no drive cycle has been mentioned (NEDC or WLTP).

Producing a maximum power output of 543 PS and a maximum torque of 700 Nm, the Zeekr 001 is capable of a 3.8-second century sprint time.

Interesting highlights of the 001 include an offered air suspension system that automatically adjusts the ground clearance based on user requirements (117 mm to 205 mm).

The 001 is also able to detect users via facial recognition and automatically adjusts the 001 to their preference.

Besides launching the Zeekr 001, Zeekr will also become an energy provider through the creation of a China-wide charging network with high-speed chargers. 

Online and offline sales will become the backbone of Zeekr’s sales channels. Zeekr plans to open two flagship showrooms (Zeekr Experience Centre) and 60 smaller sites (Zeekr Spaces) in places like shopping centres in China, and buyers will be able to use the Zeekr app to place orders.

Also Read: Geely Chairman Li Shufu steps down, to be Zeekr’s boss

Lifetime over-the-air updates are promised between four and six times per year. A battery rental and vehicle subscription model will also be introduced at a later date.