Zeekr 001: the promising electric saloon
Zeekr is often mentioned, although not widely known, is preparing to compete with the German giants such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Market launch in 2021 and as stated in the preamble, it is part of the powerful Chinese group Geely, owner of renowned brands such as :
- Volvo,
- Lotus,
- Polestar,
- Smart (at 50% with Mercedes-Benz),
- or LEVC, the London company that produces the famous 'Black cabs'.
Presenting itself as a Chinese car manufacturer high-end yet affordableits ambition is to offer top-of-the-range, high-performance, environmentally-friendly vehicles.
At the time of its launch in 2021, the Zeekr 001 was widely known and appreciated for its feat of exceeding 1000 km ofautonomy in the CLTC cycle thanks to its battery of 140 kWh. This is a feat that few electric cars have achieved to date.
Read also : Electric cars: a battery with a range of 1,000 km?
However, as this electric car has recently undergone a restyling early 2024do not no longer offers its symbolic 1000 km rangebut will have several strings to its bow to grab your attention, particularly in terms of :
- recharge,
- equipment,
- and performance.
In addition, a 1000 km range is not necessarily relevant for an electric carbecause they lead to expensive and heavy batteries. What's more, the ultra-fast recharging times of the new batteries mean that long distances can be covered without any constraints, especially as the network of fast-charging stations continues to expand globally (although there are still disparities and breakdowns in France).
To consult : The problem of public charging points in France
In terms of appearance, the Zeekr 001 remains unchanged, with the exception of 3 new colours:
- blue,
- orange,
- and dark night.
What's more, the seatscoated with Nappa leatherare available in 4 colours:
- nitrogen blue,
- platinum grey,
- carbon black,
- and titanium brown.
The Zeekr 001 is available in China from 299,000 yuan, i.e. approximately €38,800and can reach up to 329,000 yuan (approximately €42,700) for the best-performing version.
The impressive technical performance of the Zeekr 001
The Zeekr 001 of 2024 introduces a major innovation with theintegration of the 95 kWh LFP battery. These two batteries have diametrically opposed characteristics due to their different chemical compositions. The electric saloon is equipped with 2 separate batteries:
- a Qilin NMC (nickel - manganese - cobalt) :
- battery of 100 kWh,
- weighs 606 kg,
- with a recharge capacity of 400 kW
- allows you to go from 10 to 80 % in 15 minutes.
- and a Shenxing LFP (lithium - iron - phosphate) :
- 95 kWh battery,
- weighs 720 kg,
- can be charged to a maximum power of 475 kW,
- allows you to go from 10 to 80 % in just 11 minutes about.
Indeed, these performances are remarkable and are gradually approaching the world record held by the Li Auto Megaa huge van that can do the same job in 10 minutes.
The Zeekr is available with two engine configurations.
The first being the rear-wheel drive version with 2-wheel drive offers 750 km range with a power of 310 kW (421 hp).
The second in complete transfer with 4-wheel drive allocates approximately 705 km with a power of 580 kW (789 bhp).
⚠️Points to watch : As far as range is concerned, the Chinese CLTC homologation cycle is a little more generous than the European WLTP cycle.
These figures are reflected in the acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 s for propulsion and 3,3 s for all-wheel drive.
The remarkable technology of the Chinese electric car
The eagerly awaited new Zeekr 001 is distinguished by itsuse of an innovative CATL battery.
The interior has a minimalist design, with a swivelling 15.6-inch screen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chiplike the Xiaomi SU7.
Read also : Xiaomi SU7: the Chinese operator's first electric car
In addition, a 35.5-inch head-up vision and 13.06-inch digital meters are integrated.
What's more, the front seats offer heating functionsof ventilation and massage. Rear passengers also benefit from a 5.7-inch multifunction touchscreen.
Thanks to the restyling, a remarkable innovation has been introduced for the panoramic roof. In fact, it offers an astonishing feature: it can change colour on 10 independently distinct shades in 10 zones. This is the first time that such a device has had the ability to change its colours, although some manufacturers already offer glass roofs that can be darkened on demand.
The end of long stops at recharging points?
The arrival of machines like the Zeekr 001 marks a significant turning point. It's proof that ultra-fast charging is no longer science fiction and could soon be an integral part of our everyday lives. Chinese manufacturers are vying for the fastest and most powerful charging. As seen briefly above, a recent feat by the Zeekr 001 sets a new record in this competition.
Thanks to therecent introduction of CATL's Shenxing LFP batteryWith a capacity of 95 kWh, the record has almost been surpassed. A video shared on Weibo shows the car reaching a maximum power of 546.4 kW when its load reaches 34 %.
In just just over 11 minutesthe Zeekr 001 would win 473 km range by increasing its charge from 10 to 80 %in accordance with the CLTC cycle.
For more information, the time required to charge from 10 to 80 % is 11 minutes and 28 secondswhich is slightly longer than that of the Li Auto Mega. This is remarkable despite the slightly larger size of its battery, because the Li Auto Mega can reach this level of charge in just 10 minutes and 36 seconds thanks to its faster charging curve.
This means no more anxiety about autonomy and no more endless breaks at the charging stations. The Zeekr 001, with its record charging capacity, is a perfect example of what the future holds for electric vehicle drivers.
Chinese electric saloon begins deliveries to Europe
The Zeekr 001 is no longer a mirage. After the announcement of its imminent arrival in Europe, followed by the production of the first examples destined for the European market, the first vehicles have now been delivered. delivered in last December.
It's up to Netherlands that the first European drivers were able to get behind the wheel of this Chinese racing car. With its shooting brake design and top-of-the-range technical features, the Zeekr 001 is clearly positioned on the premium segment of the electric car marketand has every intention of upsetting the big names in the sector, such as Tesla or Mercedes-Benz.
Having sold more than 100,000 vehicles in China since 2023It plans to build on this success by expanding into 8 new markets by 2025This will probably include France, although no official date has yet been announced.
Having said that, Zeekr has big ambitions for Europe, although it has already been present in certain European markets since the end of 2023, such as the United States. Netherlands, Germany, Norway and Sweden. In addition Stockholm that the Chinese brand inaugurated its very first Zeekr Centre.
As usual, prices are a long way from those in China, with the current 001, for example, ranging between 59,990 and €67,990 in Germany.
Summary table of the main characteristics of Zeekr 001
| Zeekr 001 | Technical specifications |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric saloon |
| Autonomy | Up to 750 km (rear-wheel drive version) and 705 km (AWD version) |
| Battery | - Qilin NMC: 100 kWh, 606 kg, 400 kW fast charge - Shenxing LFP: 95 kWh, 720 kg, rapid charging at 475 kW |
| Power | - Propulsion: 310 kW (421 bhp) - All-wheel drive: 580 kW (789 bhp) |
| Acceleration | - Rear-wheel drive: 0-100 km/h in 5.9 s - All-wheel drive: 0-100 km/h in 3.3 s |
| Design | Shooting brake style, available in several colours (blue, orange, black night) |
| Interior | 15.6-inch touch screen, Nappa leather seats with heating, ventilation and massage |
| Panoramic roof | Colour change function for 10 distinct zones |
| Prices | From 299,000 yuan (~€38,800) to 329,000 yuan (~€42,700) for the most powerful version |
| Marketing | Arrival in Europe at the end of 2023, first deliveries to the Netherlands |
Conclusion
The arrival in France of the Zeekr 001 heralds a revolution in electric mobility. With its ultra-fast charging capability, it pushes back the boundaries of what is possible, offering drivers an unprecedented experience.
This electric car embodies innovation and power, setting new standards for the automotive industry. Its likely arrival in France opens the way to an era of greener, faster and more efficient travel.
On the one hand, ultra-fast recharging removes one of the main obstacles to the adoption of electric vehiclesfor both private and professional customers: charging time. Imagine being able to fill up with energy in just a few minutes, in much the same way as we do today with a petrol car. This would take the pressure off and pave the way for more relaxed travel.
To do this, you will need to develop the infrastructure needed to accommodate these new vehicles while guaranteeing a stable electricity network. But it's also a unique opportunity to take part in the electric mobility revolution.
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