In a sign of the changing car parc in the wake of the NVES, Zeekr is the latest Chinese automotive brand to launch on our shores.
Zeekr have previewed their Zeekr X, a compact lifestyle vehicle designed for urban environments, will be the first of two models introduced to the Australian market this year.
The global premium electric mobility brand will follow this model with Zeekr 009, a pure-electric luxury MPV, by the end of 2024.
Zeekr has established a subsidiary in the country and will adopt a franchise dealership distribution model to provide their customer experience to Australian customers.
The launch is part of a wider trend flagged by the new Vehicle Efficiency Standard where the Australian market will open up to more low-emission brands.
Some established car brands from Japan, Europe, and the US are actively redesigning their product plans to ensure their vehicles comply with the new rules, the Chinese car brands have leapt on the opportunity offer a wider range of electric or hybrid models, with some offering more affordable prices.
In the next 12 months alone, there are seven Chinese brands expected to start selling cars in Australia alongside Zeekr including JAC Motors, Xpeng, Leapmotor, Skywell, Jaecoo, and Smart. They will join already-established brands, such as Chery, LDV, GWM, Haval, and BYD.
Fast charging
Last week Zeekr announced it had developed upgraded EV batteries that support 5.5C ultra-fast charging allowing vehicles to charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 10.5 minutes, it claims.
Zeekr claimed the rate as a new charging speed record and was achieved with Zeekr’s new 007 sedan model using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and connected with Zeekr V3 ultra-fast charging piles.
Coming Soon
The Zeekr X will be available for pre-order in September, and it will also officially launch the models at the upcoming SXSW festival in Sydney.
“Zeekr’s expansion into the Australian market brings our innovative and cutting-edge electric vehicles to a new audience, offering a unique driving experience that blends style, performance, and sustainability,” Zeekr Australia managing director Connal Yan says.
“By selecting SXSW Sydney as the stage for our launch, Zeekr is demonstrating its commitment to innovation, showcasing our products to a global audience, and setting the foundation for a future of limitless possibilities in sustainable mobility.”
Zeekr is the luxury electric vehicle brand from Geely Holding Group, the global mobility company headquartered in Zhejiang, China.
Geely Holding, owns and manages a portfolio of brands including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Zeekr, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus Cars, London Electric Vehicle Company, Cao Cao Mobility, and aerospace technology company Geespace.