Chinese automaker Zeekr proudly announced the successful production of the first batch of X models for export in Europe in its Ningbo factory on Sunday, Car News China reports.
The Zeekr X units are already at the port for their impending shipment to Sweden and the Netherlands.
Zeekr to sell 001 and X in Europe
Zeekr has just recently shipped the first batch of its 001 models to the European market last month as part of its global expansion strategy.
The brand aims to begin initial deliveries of these models by the end of 2023 once its first direct-to-consumer retail stores open in Stockholm and Amsterdam. More locations will follow in the coming months, the company noted.
Now, it is set to ship the new X model following its first batch production in China. InsideEVs reported that Zeekr started producing the X electric crossover in June in its home market. At the same time, it began accepting pre-orders for the two new EVs in Sweden and the Netherlands.
Zeekr X details
The European-spec Zeekr X will start selling at €44,990 (about $49,000). Meanwhile, the Zeekr 001 has a base price of €59,490 (about $63,500).
The Zeekr X will utilize Geely’s SEA (Sustainable Electric Architecture) platform. It will offer two power configurations, including RWD and AWD variants.
Both of these variants will feature an NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery pack with a 66 kWh capacity.
The base variant RWD will have a maximum output of 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower). It will have a CLTC-estimated driving range of 348 miles (560 km). Meanwhile, the dual-motor AWD trim will have a maximum power of 315 kW (422 hp) and 400 pound-feet (543 Newton-meters) of torque. It can also accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds, with a driving range of up to 318 miles (512 km) between charges.
Zeekr’s progress
Geely founded Zeekr in 2021 as its luxury brand. The brand recorded some notable progress in its home market in just two years.
It achieved its first 100,000th car production in April in just an 18-month operation, Electrek noted. Most of the production is contributed by the flagship 001 electric sedan.
In June, it started producing its new X model and also accepted pre-orders in the European market.
In late August, the first batch of 001 models was ready for export to the brand’s key markets beyond China.
Now, the brand is preparing another shipment for Europe with its new X e-SUVs.
Zeekr’s penetration in the European market is crucial for its strategy to establish a strong position in Western Europe by 2026. It aims to begin customer deliveries in Sweden and the Netherlands by the fourth quarter of 2023.
