Chinese electric vehicle brand Zeekr is making waves in the luxury sports car market with its latest announcement. Under the umbrella of Geely Automobile, Zeekr is set to launch its Zeekr 001 FR model in just a few weeks, according to industry insiders. With a price tag of over 1 million yuan (approximately $138,000), the initial batch of this model is expected to hit select markets later this year.
While Zeekr had previously unveiled a limited-edition 2023 model of its 001 sedan/hatch hybrid, capable of covering an impressive 641 miles on a single charge, details about the Zeekr 001 FR model are still under wraps. However, it’s worth noting that the 2023 Zeekr 001 has been hailed as “the world’s longest-range production vehicle to our knowledge” by Motor1. To put it into perspective, the Tesla Model S has a range of 405 miles, the Lucid Air can go for 516 miles, and the Mercedes EQS can travel up to 350 miles per charge.
Zeekr, established in 2021 as a premium EV label, already offers three distinct models catering to various consumers, with prices ranging from 189,800 yuan (approximately $26,000) to 499,000 yuan (approximately $69,000). By entering the luxury sports car market, Zeekr aims to diversify its offerings and compete with Tesla’s aggressive pricing strategies that made waves earlier this year.
This strategic move by Zeekr also aligns with the increasing demand for upscale electric vehicles. Other Chinese automakers like BYD have recently introduced their own high-performance EVs, such as an electric off-road SUV starting at 1.098 million yuan (approximately $151,000).
Zeekr has already achieved significant success, selling over 100,000 units primarily in China since its establishment in 2021. The brand’s innovative direct-to-consumer business model has been a key factor in its triumph, and Zeekr plans to extend this strategy to all new markets it enters. In fact, Zeekr has its sights set on Europe, where the premium EV Zeekr X is preparing for its grand debut. Job postings from the company also hint at Zeekr’s intention to establish a presence in the U.S. market in the near future.
Exciting times lie ahead for Zeekr as it continues to make strides in the electric vehicle industry, captivating consumers with its cutting-edge technology and expanding its global reach.
