Zeekr launches its first EV in Australia

ANOTHER Chinese car-maker has launched in Australia but rather than an  unknown manufacturer, Zeekr (zeek-er) has a long connection with Australian motorists.

Zeekr is a part of giant Chinese vehicle maker Geely which also owns Volvo, Lotus, Polestar and a large slice of the Malaysian car-maker Proton that is itself planning to revisit Australia.

Zeekr unveiled its “X” EV model at a function in Sydney this month which will be available for pre-order from September.

It is the first of two Zeekr models to be launched here this year with the Zeekr 009, a pure-electric luxury MPV, expected by the end of 2024.

The company will establish a full dealership network in Australia to sell the two models.

Zeekr Australia managing director Connal Yan said that the brand’s expansion in Australia introduces “a unique driving experience that blends style, performance, and sustainability.”

The X is built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) — also used by Volvo and Polestar — claiming a balance of design, technology, driving dynamics, performance and safety, together with an enviable range and fast charging.

“The Zeekr X is a global premium compact SUV created for urban lifestyles and the megacities of today – compact on the outside while spacious and luxurious inside, it is the perfect companion for adventurers seeking new challenges and new environments to explore,” the company said.

It uses Geely’s proprietary state-of-the-art electric motor and battery technology.

The 66kWh nickel-cobalt manganese battery, supplied by CATL, packaged beneath the floor to enhance interior space and lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity, helps handling and agility.

It has an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty and, at end-of-life, will be recycled in line with global directives.

It claims a range of up to 540km of range (ADR 81/02) in the single motor, rear-wheel drive standard model. The combined power consumption is 13.9 kWh/100km.

Zeekr said that a 150kW charger can replenish the battery from 10-80 per cent in less than 30 minutes. The standard 7.2kW AC on-board charger can fully charge the battery from empty in about seven hours (RWD model 7.2kW, AWD model 11kW)

It has a 5G-enabled digital cockpit with connected features and intuitive controls. At its core is a Qualcomm 8155 chip, which offers all the processing power needed to provide super-fast responses and exceptional functionality.

Zeekr also has over-the-air (OTA) software updates to ensure that the system is always up-to-date and will improve over time as new features become available.

The infotainment system has Zeekr ‘Voice Assistant’ that uses AI-powered technology and natural voice commands to control vehicle features such as navigation, climate, and media playback.

When the vehicle is parked, several pre-defined convenience modes are available: in Theatre Mode, for example, the seats automatically adjust into the ideal position for enjoying music, while in Pet Mode, the climate control system maintains the cabin at an optimal temperature and the touchscreen displays a message to inform and reassure passers-by the pets locked inside are comfortable and safe

A security feature known as Sentry Mode is also offered: when the Zeekr X is parked and locked, it will create a video of the area around the vehicle if suspicious activity is detected.

Only the driver can access the recordings, which are stored in the car’s built-in storage or on a USB flash drive plugged into the USB interface.

Prices are yet too be fixed but expect to be under $60,000 for the single-motor version and under $70,000 for the all-wheel drive (AWD) version.

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