Once proudly electric-only, Zeekr is now looking to make a big splash in the hybrid space.
Once upon a time, Zeekr pledged to be an EV-only premium brand for the global market.
That was only in 2021, when this luxury sub-brand from Geely first launched. But that promise has already changed.
Zeekr recently confirmed plans to introduce plug-in hybrid technology for a range of large SUVs in Australia, after their launch in its home market of China.
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First amongst these are the 8X and 9X, which share a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine along with large 900-volt batteries and up to three electric motors, depending on trim level.
Along with long electric-only driving ranges – up 330km claimed, on the lenient CLTC testing cycle – the Zeekr 8X and 9X also offer prodigious combined power of up to 1030kW with three electric motors.
These two models are locked in for Australia, joining existing fully electric offerings like the X and 7X SUVs, as well as the 009 people mover.
“As a brand, we are five years old. I remember three years ago, we had big success with 001 and 009,” Mars Chen, global Vice President for Zeekr, told media including Drive.
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“At that moment, we were sure about one thing: The world will not always be ICE [internal combustion] or EV [electric]. It has to have two powertrains. So, by knowing that reality, the company decided to prepare some hybrid models.
“We also realised there’s some models that were very successful, like Li Auto and Aito by Huawei (two car brands for the Chinese market), using the range extender powertrain.
“With us, we don’t want to simply replicate. We realised that actually our super hybrid system, which you see on the 8X and 9X, is not just a plug-in hybrid. It’s a mix.”
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In the case of the Zeekr 8X and 9X, acceleration comes mostly from the two or three electric motors. The petrol engine is there mostly to charge the battery directly, but can also drive the front wheels at highway speeds for improved efficiency.
“The experience we want to bring to the customer, we want to feel more electrical. Which means silent, huge torque and without any latency,” Chen said.
“[The Zeekr PHEV technology] feels more like an EV, but this car does have an engine inside. And the [driving] range, you don’t need to worry.”
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But at the same time, Chen pointed out the appeal of petrol power for many buyers, despite the growing popularity of electric cars.
“In this segment, most of the people are my age or above, I am 42 this year,” Chen said.
“We are talking about the real petrol heads. Still, they want to see the big engine, and see combustion technology in the car. They still want to talk about the horsepower, just from the engine.”
In the case of the Zeekr 8X and 9X, under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder that makes 205kW and 410Nm.
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Waiting in the wings is something bigger: a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6, which is reported to make up to 400kW and 700Nm, and is due in its first production vehicle from 2028.
This engine comes from Horse Powertrain, a collaboration between Geely and Renault, created to produce petrol engines for the two car giants for a variety of applications.
“This gave most of the customers a very strong confidence that even without the battery, the car can still move. not slow, right?” Chen said.
“So now, with the power coming from the battery in this car, there is nothing to complain about.”
On the flip side, any chance of the Zeekr 7X mid-sized SUV getting a hybrid powertrain has been dashed. Chen indicated that only larger vehicles are in line for hybrid technology from Zeekr.
The post Zeekr explains pivot to include plug-in hybrids alongside EVs appeared first on Drive.
