Zeekr: With the 001 against electric boredom
COOPERATION Geely, the second-largest Chinese manufacturer, has specifically secured European knowledge by acquiring Volvo, among others, and jointly developing platforms for electric models with the Swedes. The latest result is a new brand, with a strange-sounding name. Zeekr, according to a spokesperson, has set itself the goal of becoming the world's first model 001 [...]
The latest result is a new brand, with a strange-sounding name. According to a spokesman, Zeekr has set itself the goal of showing the world with its first model 001 that the times of "boring electric cars have run their course".
The vehicle now presented is also said to be the "world's first electrically powered Shooting Brake. The 001 was designed at the company's Swedish design center in Gothenburg, where they obviously studied the Porsche models closely. At first glance, the 001 looks very similar to the products from Zuffenhausen.
Ground clearance adjusts automatically
The developers chose the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) as the platform, which is also used by Volvo for its e-mobiles. The chassis has air suspension that automatically adjusts the ground clearance between 117 and 205 millimeters as needed. This is intended to enable good off-road properties.
The doors open automatically when the driver and passengers approach the vehicle. Furthermore, the 001 has facial recognition so that the Zeekr automatically sets the driver's preferences. In addition, the technology is updated over the air (via a radio interface) at least once a quarter.
Power for 120 kilometers in five minutes
Geely quotes the top speed of the 4.97-long Shooting Brake at more than 200 km/h (124 mph), and just 3.8 seconds are said to elapse between 0 and 100 km/h (62 mph). Responsible for this are the two engines working on the front and rear axles, which together provide an output of 400 kW (544 hp) and deliver a maximum torque of 700 Newton meters.
According to the company, it takes five minutes at a fast-charging station to charge electricity for 120 kilometers. There is a choice of 86 kWh and 100 kWh batteries.
Sales primarily via online channels
In terms of sales, the new brand is focusing on online channels, but without completely excluding analog sales channels. In China, two flagship stores and 60 smaller sales outlets are currently being built. From next year, Zeekr plans to convince the rest of the world of its vehicles.
