Geely unveiled the Zeekr 001, a premium electric vehicle with 536 HP and a long-range to compete with the Tesla Model S.
The Zeekr 001 is an electric hatchback with a strong visual resemblance to Lynk & Co Zero. It measures 195 inches long, 78 inches wide, and stands at 61 inches high. The generous 118-inch wheelbase implies sufficient rear seating space while its total storage capacity is 2,144 liters.
It is built on Geely’s latest open source Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, which will also power the Lynk & Co ZERO sedan and electric Volvo SUVs.
The Zeekr 001 is offered in an all-wheel-drive configuration thanks to the two electric motors per axle producing a combined output of up to 536 HP and 556 lb-ft of torque. Such a setup is good enough for a 0-62 mph time in just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph.
The manufacturer offers a choice of two battery capacities—86 kWh and 100 kWh—with the larger one claimed to provide up to 400 miles of range. Still according to the manufacturer, the Zeekr 001 can be rapidly charged using a 360 kW adapter, allowing to add 75 miles of range in only five minutes.
Other notable features include air suspension allowing to adjust the vehicle’s ground clearance between 4.6 and 8 inches depending on the driver’s needs. Moreover, automatic frameless doors sense incoming occupants and automatically close upon entering, while a face detection device allows the car to dynamically adapt to its drivers’ preferences.
If everything goes as planned, the Zeekr 001 will first appear on Chinese roads in October 2021 Also, plans are underway towards expansion to other global markets, including North America and Europe, beginning in 2022. However, the Zeekr 001’s price is currently unknown, but reports estimate that it will cost about 300,000 yuan (around $46,000).
With such an impressive offering at such a low price, Tesla’s dominance will be challenged, especially in China. Furthermore, local manufactures such as NIO and Xpeng should watch out if they want to hold solid ground in the already crowded Chinese EV market.
Gallery
