Zeekr 001 ‘shooting brake’ EV: apparently it’s not boring
Despite China’s Geely only announcing its latest electric vehicle brand in March, it has already rolled out its first model.
Meet the Zeekr 001.
Based on the same Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) that underpins numerous Geely battery electric vehicle projects, the Zeekr 001 will go on-sale in China in late 2021 before the company rolls out more vehicles and expands to selected global markets starting in 2022.
The Zeekr 001 looks a lot like another SEA-based vehicle, the Zero concept first shown in 2020 by Lynk&Co, which is also a Geely subsidiary.
The 001 is dubbed the “world’s first mass market pure electric shooting brake” and has been designed with the mandate “no more boring EVs”.
The shape was created in Sweden at Geely Design Gothenburg, the home of Geely-owned Volvo.
Zeekr is promising the 001 will offer a 700km range between recharges, a top speed over 200km/h, 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and a braking distance from 100km/h to 0km/h in just 34 metres.
The Zeekr powertrain consists of electric motor on both axles producing up to 400kW and 700Nm. Two battery packs will be offered at launch: 86kWh and 100kWh.
The 001 will be underpinned by air suspension that will enable increased ride height from 117mm to 205mm for rough off-road trails, part of the EV’s crossover positioning.
The 001 measures up at 4970mm long, 1999mm wide, 1560mm high and has a long 3005mm wheelbase. Total luggage space of 2144 litres (with back seats folded) is one of the biggest in its class.
Frameless automatic doors open when they detect passengers approaching and close upon their entry. The 001 will also automatically detect approaching users via facial recognition and automatically adjust the 001 to their personal preferences.
Zeekr plans to offer substantial support to its buyers, including four to six over-the-air updates per annum and rolling out its own fast-charging network across China with up to 360kWh capability.
The 001 will be available to buy online and offline and battery subscription and leasing will also be offered.
“The Zeekr brand is here to succeed in the premium EV segment,” CEO Andy An Conghui said in a press statement.
“We have the best resources of a car company behind us, including an established supply chain and a wide industrial footprint that is ready to begin producing vehicles.
“We also benefit from a technology-driven mindset that is driving us forward, we are here to give consumers a better electric vehicle experience.”
Any chance of Zeekr for Australia? Don’t hold your breath.
