Zeekr EV confirmed for Kiwi launch
Zeekr, a Chinese electric carmaker from the same parent company as Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, will indeed be launching in New Zealand this year.
It is unknown who the Zeekr brand will pair with as its distributor in New Zealand.
Giltrap Group, which fronts its sister brands Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, is a likely frontrunner.
The Zeekr X is expected to be a launch model, being based on the same platform as the Volvo EX30, and will offer similar single- and dual-motor powertrains.
However, the Zeekr pushes outputs to around 200kW for singlemotor variants and 315kW for the dual-motors.
Range is rated at 445km (WLTP) for the RWD or 425km for those with two motors.
Inside is a 14.6-inch touchscreen able to slide from the centre of the dash to the front passenger’s side, a 13-speaker Yamaha audio system, and even an optional 5.7-litre fridge. While local pricing is still a mystery, European buyers can get the RWD X for 42,490 euros, or 47,490 euros (NZ$76,724 or $85,753). These figures won’t directly carry over, but it offers an idea of the price bracket Zeekr is targeting.
For reference, the Volvo EX30 starts around 36,000 euros. Meanwhile, the 009, which has also been mooted for Australia and New Zealand, will come as a six- or seven-seater people mover measuring just over 5.2-metres long.
It will have twin electric motors making a huge 400KW, fed by either a 116kWh or a CATL-developed 140kWh battery, putting it among the largest battery packs on the market.
Range is appropriately massive, rated at either 702km or 822km. Zeekr has properly kitted it out as well, with a ‘Fountain of Light’ illuminated grille, air suspension, Yamaha audio featuring 20 highfidelity speakers (six in the seat headrests), Nappa full-grain leather trim, double-layer soundproof glass, and a 15.6-inch central ceiling screen for back-seaters.
Think of the 009 as more of a Mercedes-Benz EQV fighter than an LDV Mifa 9 competitor.
Other potential Zeekr models that could arrive include the 001 shooting brake, which also benefits from the 140kWh battery pack, and the 007 sedan, which would fight with mid-range Porsche Taycans in 475kW dual-motor form.