Zeekr: A information to every little thing it’s worthwhile to know

Zeekr is among the many latest manufacturers arriving in Australia, and regardless of presently promoting simply two fashions regionally it has loads to unpack.

A sister model to the likes of Volvo, Polestar and Geely underneath the Geely Auto umbrella, Zeekr is setting itself aside by aiming for Australia’s premium electrical car (EV) phase – and it’s the primary such model from China to reach in Australia.

It isn’t regarding itself with pricing or extra mainstream Chinese language manufacturers like BYD or MG, as a substitute Zeekr needs to work on increasing its home-grown supplier community whereas enhancing model recognition to present it a greater probability as a real Tesla various.

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It has additionally proven curiosity in serving to to enhance the status of Chinese language vehicles as a complete, aiming for vehicles from the nation to be perceived in addition to these from different nations like Japan.

Regardless of not having been round for even 5 years, Zeekr has made it clear it has huge ambitions exterior of its residence nation – particularly in Australia.

With that in thoughts, right here’s every little thing it’s worthwhile to find out about Zeekr.

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What’s Zeekr?

Zeekr is a premium electrical automobile model based in 2021 and headquartered in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. It’s owned by Geely Car, which itself was China’s first privately owned automobile producer.

As reported by CarNewsChina in 2021, Geely says the Zeekr title “comes from a mixture of the time period Era Z and the phrase ‘geek’”. The model’s first mannequin was the 001, which launched in April 2021 underneath the Zeekr model regardless of initially being slated as a car for sister model Lynk & Co.

Sporting a taking pictures brake physique model, the Zeekr 001 is constructed atop the modular Sustainable Expertise Structure (SEA) – particularly SEA1 – developed by Zeekr Expertise Europe; the model’s European analysis and growth centre positioned in Gothenburg, Sweden.

As such, the 001 shares a few of its DNA with different Geely merchandise just like the Polestar 4 and Lotus Eletre.

Zeekr 001 buyer deliveries started in October 2021, and in 2022 – its first full yr on sale – it chalked up 71,941 Chinese language gross sales.

2022 noticed no new vehicles go on sale underneath the Zeekr model, because it as a substitute ramped up collaborative works with American autonomous driving firm Waymo to develop a brand new self-driving robotaxi; a venture introduced the yr prior.

In November 2022, Zeekr’s first Waymo prototype was unveiled in Los Angeles. Utilising Geely’s SEA-M platform, the Zeekr M-Imaginative and prescient was developed totally for mass transport together with robotaxi companies and logistics, and marked a major departure from Waymo’s fleet of transformed Jaguar I-Tempo robotaxis nonetheless in service at present.

Although service-ready Zeekr robotaxis solely started testing in mid-2024, the M-Imaginative and prescient served as a showcase of SEA-M’s full capabilities, which might finally make its technique to the road-going Zeekr Combine folks mover that debuted in April final yr.

Zeekr did unveil one automobile in 2022 although – the Zeekr 009 – proven on-line in August of that yr earlier than happening sale in early 2023. The 009 is a big electrical folks mover constructed utilizing the identical SEA1 structure because the 001 and is carefully associated to the Volvo EM90.

It was the primary Zeekr car to be proven after the model introduced its cooperation with Chinese language battery producer CATL in August 2022, making Zeekr the primary model to make use of CATL’s Qilin long-range batteries in mass-produced fashions.

The primary mannequin to make use of the Qilin battery was certainly the Zeekr 009, giving it a most driving vary of 582km in WLTP testing. Its largest battery obtainable is a 140kWh nickel manganese cobalt (Li-NMC) Qilin battery, and it has a most energy output of 580kW to shift its almost 3.0-tonne mass.

Gaining CATL tech quickly after was the 001, which might finally go on sale in Europe in 2023. In that yr, Zeekr entered the European market in each Sweden and the Netherlands.

Then got here the Zeekr X, a small SUV utilizing the identical SEA2 structure because the Good #1 and Volvo EX30.

It launched in China in April 2023 with one battery however three variants, obtainable with each single-motor, rear-wheel drive or dual-motor, all-wheel drive. As a substitute of a CATL battery, the Zeekr X and Good #1 each use parts made by VREMT – an EV tech firm absolutely owned by Geely.

The Zeekr X and 009 had been the model’s first vehicles to be offered in Australia, and arrived regionally in late 2024.

Debuting in November 2023 was the Zeekr 007, a D-segment compact govt automobile obtainable solely as a sedan at launch – set to be adopted by the hotted-up 007 GT taking pictures brake later in 2025.

The 007 utilises the SEA-derived PMA2+ platform (or Pure electrical Modular Structure), and whereas it was one of many first on the platform it was adopted by the Good #5 and Zeekr 7X SUVs in 2024.

Zeekr claims a variety of as much as 870km on the extra lenient CLTC testing cycle, with each lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and Li-NMC batteries obtainable. It’s additionally offered in each rear- and all-wheel drive configurations.

The subsequent mannequin to go on sale was the aforementioned Zeekr Combine, which was obtainable to buy instantly after it was revealed in April 2024.

Obtainable with two batteries – a 76kWh Zeekr unit or 102kWh Qilin various – the Combine isn’t explicitly categorised as a folks mover by Zeekr regardless of its look. The model argues it drives equally to a crossover SUV and lacks three rows of seating, nevertheless it nonetheless slots in under the 009 luxurious flagship.

The Zeekr Combine is the human-driven model of the CM1e, the fruits of the Zeekr-Waymo robotaxi collaboration unveiled in late 2023.

Zeekr’s latest mannequin is the 7X, which debuted on the Chengdu Auto Present in August 2024. Regardless of not coming into manufacturing till September 17, 2024, there have been reportedly 58,429 orders positioned for the mannequin in simply 20 days.

It’s once more obtainable with both VREMT or CATL batteries, and is offered in each single- and dual-motor configurations.

Quickly after in November 2024, the overarching Geely Holding Group underwent a restructuring. Within the shift, Geely Holding Group transferred its 11.3 per cent stake in Zeekr to Geely Auto, growing Geely Auto’s stake in Zeekr to 62.8 per cent.

Zeekr then acquired a 20 per cent stake in Lynk & Co, coinciding with its buy of Volvo’s 30 per cent stake. It then elevated its capital in Lynk & Co to type a 51 per cent majority shareholding in its sister model, whereas Geely Auto holds the remaining 49 per cent.

The transfer reportedly price Zeekr greater than 9.3 billion yuan, or roughly A$2 billion.

Since launching in 2021, Zeekr’s international gross sales have elevated every year. The model recorded 6007 in 2021, then 71,941 in 2022, 118,685 in 2023, and 222,123 in 2024.

Australian gross sales figures for the Zeekr X should not but obtainable, although the model says it has delivered “almost 200” automobiles and recorded greater than 5000 whole expressions of curiosity as of February 2025. It goals to promote as much as 10,000 automobiles in 2026.

Zeekr automobiles are constructed at three areas underneath the Geely umbrella throughout China, that are detailed under:

• Ningbo: Zeekr 001, Zeekr 007, Zeekr 009, Zeekr 7X
• Chengdu: Zeekr X
• Taizhou: Zeekr Combine

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What are you able to presently purchase from Zeekr?

There are solely two Zeekr automobiles presently on sale in Australia.

Although each are electrical as per Zeekr’s model description, they don’t have lots in frequent.

The Zeekr X, which utilises the SEA2 platform alongside the Volvo EX30 and Good #1, is offered right here in both single-motor, rear-wheel drive or dual-motor, all-wheel drive configurations.

Powering each is a 66kWh Li-NMC battery developed by means of a partnership between CATL and Geely, offering a claimed ADR driving vary of 540km or 470km for the RWD and AWD respectively.

Respective outputs are listed at 200kW/343Nm and 315kW/543Nm, with a most kerb weight of 1945kg for the AWD.

At 4432mm in size the Zeekr X isn’t large, although it’s nonetheless roughly 200mm longer than each the EX30 and Good #1.

Full Zeekr X worth and specs could be discovered right here

In distinction, the Zeekr 009 is a big folks mover measuring 5209mm in size. It utilises the SEA1 platform, of which modified variations are additionally the framework for the Zeekr 001, Polestar 5 and Lotus Eletre.

In Australia the 009 is simply obtainable with a 116kWh CATL Li-NMC battery offering as much as 582km of WLTP vary. Commonplace is a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup able to producing as much as 450kW of energy and 693Nm of torque – sufficient to get its 2870kg body from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds.

Although it’s technically solely offered in a single variant, the 009 is offered with each six- and seven-seat preparations.

Abroad, the Zeekr 009 can also be obtainable in a single-motor, front-wheel drive variant, whereas two different 108kWh and 140kWh Li-NMC CATL batteries are additionally provided.

Full Zeekr 009 worth and specs could be discovered right here

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Which manufacturers does Zeekr compete in opposition to?

In Australia, Zeekr is primarily going up in opposition to different Chinese language EVs from the likes of BYD, in addition to different Geely Auto merchandise from Volvo and the Geely namesake model.

Although there’s a wider breadth of fashions obtainable abroad, we’ll solely concentrate on Zeekr’s present lineup obtainable in Australia.

The Zeekr X small SUV is a key rival for vehicles just like the BYD Atto 3 and Volvo EX30 on measurement alone. Whereas the Atto 3 is considerably cheaper at as little as $39,990 earlier than on-roads, the EX30 is costlier and begins at $59,990 earlier than on-roads.

Most WLTP vary for these two SUVs is listed at 420km and 462km respectively, whereas the Zeekr X has a most claimed ADR vary of 540km from its base RWD variant. In actuality, driving vary for the Zeekr X is probably going nearer to that of the EX30 given each use the identical EV platform.

Different Chinese language newcomers just like the Leapmotor C10, Xpeng G6 and Deepal S07 additionally come to thoughts, however they’re all bodily bigger regardless of being offered at related worth factors.

Zeekr’s most direct rival to these SUVs – and the Tesla Mannequin Y specifically – can be its latest mannequin: the 7X. Whereas not presently on sale in Australia, it’s anticipated to hit native showrooms in both October or November, 2025.

The Zeekr 009, in the meantime, is an fascinating proposition. Being an electrical, all-wheel drive premium folks mover it has few rivals, and those it does have supply barely totally different configurations at totally different costs.

Its most direct rival is subsequently the Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer, which is priced at $137,515 earlier than on-roads and matches the 009. The German-branded folks mover has a claimed WLTP vary of 370km in comparison with the 009’s 582km, and is simply obtainable in front-wheel drive configuration.

There’s additionally Merc’s extra premium EQV300, which provides loads of the identical drivetrain parts however prices $162,339 earlier than on-roads and has a WLTP vary of round 360km.

Recent off the presses can also be the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which ranges in worth from $87,990 to $109,990 earlier than on-roads. It has a claimed WLTP vary of between 422km and 452km relying on the variant, and is offered in both single-motor, rear-wheel drive or dual-motor, all-wheel drive configurations.

Different oblique rivals embrace the Lexus LM folks mover priced between $160,272 and $220,272 earlier than on-roads, although there are not any electrical variants because it’s hybrid-only as a substitute.

On the less expensive finish is the segment-leading Kia Carnival, which prices as a lot as $76,360 earlier than on-roads with no electrical variants – although consumers can select between petrol, diesel and hybrid choices.

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How in style is Zeekr in Australia?

With out detailed gross sales figures it’s tough to say, however we will look to the model’s targets for an thought.

The model has beforehand outlined that it hopes to obtain 2500 to 3000 gross sales in 2025, which might put it above the place Cupra sat final yr (2339), in addition to established manufacturers like Peugeot (1896), Genesis (1400), Jaguar (743) and Alfa Romeo (561).

That will additionally put it above sister model Polestar (1713). Its goal would largely be pursued by solely the Zeekr X and 009, because the late arrival of the 7X means it might not have sufficient time to make a major affect.

Even with new fashions it’s nonetheless prone to be some time away from the likes of BYD, which recorded 20,458 gross sales in 2024.

Moreover, Zeekr has set a free goal of 10,000 gross sales by 2026, which might be a robust first few years for a model that arrived on the finish of 2024.

As of the beginning of February 2025, Zeekr says it has greater than 5000 whole registrations of curiosity, in addition to round 200 whole deliveries of the Zeekr X alone.

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What’s subsequent for Zeekr?

Zeekr’s short-term objectives in Australia are targeted on each increasing its retail community and enhancing model recognition.

It has outlined plans to doubtlessly triple the dimensions of its native supplier community, which might help in its daring ambitions of reaching greater than 10,000 gross sales in simply a few years.

Its community presently contains showrooms in Perth and Canberra; momentary showrooms in Melbourne, Sydney and Geelong; plus pop-ups in varied buying centres.

“For this yr, our dealership plan is 12-15 across the nation. In every huge metropolis, like Sydney and Melbourne, a minimum of we’re going to have three,” Zeekr Worldwide chief advertising and marketing officer Frank Li instructed CarExpert earlier this month.

He additionally mentioned Australia was considered one of Zeekr’s “most essential markets”, and outlined its dedication to managing its personal sellers.

“At the moment, regardless that we’ve entered 40 markets globally, we’ve solely arrange three nationwide gross sales corporations [where we’ve] arrange an entity and likewise we employed native employees with the workplace and we’re doing advertising and marketing, branding, coaching by ourselves on this market,” he mentioned

“So the one three are Australia, Thailand and Mexico. In order that exhibits our ambition and likewise our respect to this market, and likewise we’re actually eager to carry the very best service and the very best consumer expertise to the shoppers on this market.

“I believe that could be a superb sign, a really clear sign.

“I’m not saying that for the distributor market that we’re probably not eager on working with them, however that positively exhibits extra confidence while you arrange an entity right here.”

In any case, Zeekr has the excellence of being the primary premium Chinese language EV model in Australia, and that gives each a possibility to capitalise on an rising phase together with the specter of sluggish gross sales.

It’ll quickly bolster its lineup with the addition of the Mannequin Y-rivalling 7X mid-sized SUV, which is slated to reach right here within the ultimate few months of 2025.

That mannequin can be essential for the model, particularly as fellow premium manufacturers from China like BYD’s Denza and Chery’s Jaecoo gear as much as launch in Australia inside the subsequent yr.

When it comes to new fashions, Zeekr has additionally outlined it’s eager to hear which of its vehicles Australians need offered right here to information its future plans.

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