Chinese EV maker Zeekr to debut luxury sports car with 641 miles of range
By Ryan General
Chinese electric vehicle brand Zeekr has announced its entry into the luxury sports car market.
Coming soon: The company, which operates under Geely Automobile, is set to launch its Zeekr 001 FR model in a matter of weeks, according to industry insiders. Priced at over 1 million yuan (approximately $138,000), the model’s initial batch is planned to be delivered to select markets later this year.
Longest-range EVs: While the company had earlier announced a limited-edition 2023 model of its 001 sedan/hatch hybrid that can cover up to 641 miles on a single charge, the company has yet to reveal details about the Zeekr 001 FR model. With the ability to drive from Washington, D.C., to Atlanta on a single charge, the 2023 Zeeker 001 was described by Motor1 as “the world’s longest-range production vehicle to our knowledge.” In comparison, the range for the Tesla Model S is at 405 miles, Lucid Air is at 516 miles and the Mercedes EQS is at 350 miles per charge.
Expanding its audience: Established in 2021 as a premium EV label, Zeekr already boasts a portfolio of three distinct models catering to a range of consumers, with introductory prices spanning from 189,800 yuan (approximately $26,000) to 499,000 yuan (approximately $69,000). Zeekr’s foray into the luxury sports car market will see the company diversifying its offerings and competing on the trend of cost efficiency, catalyzed by Tesla‘s aggressive pricing strategies earlier this year.
Growing market: Zeekr’s strategic push into the high-performance EV segment also aims to capitalize on the growing demand for upscale electric vehicles. The company is set to join the ranks of other Chinese automakers like BYD, which recently introduced an electric off-road SUV with a starting price of 1.098 million yuan (approximately $151,000).
What’s to come: Zeekr has successfully sold over 100,000 units, primarily within China, since its teestablishment in 2021. The brand’s success has been attributed to its innovative direct-to-consumer business model, a strategy that Zeekr plans to extend to all new markets it ventures into.
The next destination on Zeekr’s ambitious trajectory is Europe, where the premium EV Zeekr X is poised to make its grand debut. Recent insights from the company’s job postings hint at Zeekr’s intention to establish its footprint in the U.S. market in the near future.
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