Peter Lyon
January 1, 2024
A Zeekr representative said last week that electric vehicle maker, owned by China’s Geely, has reached a deal with a Singaporean company to supply right-hand drive Zeekr 009 MPVs and Zeekr X urban SUVs to consumers in the island nation. But no word was forthcoming regarding a potential debut in Malaysia.
According to the spokeswoman, the carmaker intends to start shipping the vehicles in the second half of 2024.
Zeekr had previously stated its intention to sell automobiles in markets including Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
After making its debut at Auto Guangzhou in November, Zeekr has since received over 51,500 orders for its new Zeekr 007 B-class all-electric luxury vehicle.
The 007, which has an upgraded 800V electrical system, is the first model to incorporate Zeekr’s own ADAS technology and in-house designed audio system.
With Zeekr’s in-house batteries, the firm claims the normal range version can travel 688 km (CLTC) between charges, which translates to around 600 real world kms. Meanwhile, the long-range variant, powered by CATL Qilin batteries, gives 870 km (CLTC) of range says Zeekr.
Following the 001 in 2021, the 009 in 2022, and the X in 2023, the 007 is the fourth Zeekr model.
With a wheelbase of 2,928mm and dimensions of (LxWxH) 4,865mm, 1,900mm, and 1,450mm, the 007 is the first sedan to use an integrated mega-casting rear-end aluminium body, increasing its torsional rigidity to 43,500 Nm/deg.
It is also the first EV to be powered by lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery cell and pack technologies developed by Zeekr’s in-house engineering team.
Major Chinese cities will be able to utilise the highway Navigation Zeekr Pilot (NZP), a function of the in-house designed AD driving assistant system.
The new Hidden Energy design language is revealed through with Zeekr Stargate light band in the front end, which is a 90-inch light curtain with 1,711 light beads.
With an industry-leading 10,000 nits of brightness, the 007’s lights enable customised projection so the driver can engage with oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.
The 007 has a starting price of RMB 209,000. The first deliveries will start in early January 2024, but at the time this story went to press, we could not confirm the company’s plans for the Malaysian market.
OUR THOUGHTS
With advanced design, some of the most hi-tech battery packs out there, and competitive pricing, we expect the Zeekr EVs to make a mark on the market. Even conservatively speaking, a 600 km range from its in-house built batteries put the Chinese firm in a very strong position.
