AUTO

Zeekr Gets More Range, New Price

January 5, 2023

Happy new year to Zeekr fans!

On Jan. 1, Zeekr launched its new 2023 Zeekr 001 electric hatchback for the premium Chinese market. It’s a five-door, five-seater that looks similar to the previous model but adds three new body colors: blue, orange, and night black.

It comes in two drive versions: a rear-wheel drive and a four-wheel drive. The single-motor rear-wheel drive variant has a 200 kW output and 343 Nm of torque. It comes with CATL’s Qilin battery — the third generation of CATL’s cell-to-pack technology — that has a capacity of either 100 kWh (which has a range of up to 741 km or 460 miles) or 140 kWh (which has a range of up to 1,032 km or 641 miles).

The dual-motor four-wheel drive variant puts out 400 kWh and 686 Nm of torque, and it has an acceleration time of 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. It comes with a ternary lithium battery with a capacity of either 86 kWh (with a range of up to 546 km or 339 miles) or 100 kWh (with a range of up to 656 km or 407 miles).

Zeekr says that the 001 has the world’s longest cruising range, with the 1,032 km you can reportedly get from the 140 kWh rear-wheel-drive version.

What about the cost? It’ll range from ¥300,000 to ¥386,000 (about $43,500 to just under $56,000). If you want to splurge on the special YOU Edition, you’ll get a sports package with 22-inch multi-spoke forged wheels, Brembo six-piston pillar calipers, perforated brake discs, and racing seats for an additional ¥35,000 (just over $500).

Apparently, only 1,000 units will be made, with delivery starting in the second quarter of 2023.