Zeekr Announces First Flagship Hybrid-Powered Model

BEV brand latest to break ranks and include hybrid powertrains in its lineup in response to consumer demand.

Paul Myles, European Editor

August 22, 2024

1 Min Read
Zeekr 001 BEV
Zeekr to add a flagship hybrid SUV to its range next year.

The global slowdown in battery-electric vehicle sales sees even a major Chinese brand switch focus and announce the launch of a flagship hybrid model.

Geely-owned and sister brand to Volvo, Zeekr says it will present its first non-BEV model, a fullsize SUV, in the second half of 2025. It will feature Nvidia's Drive Thor autonomous driving chip and will offer variants featuring a new gas-hybrid powertrain, Chinese auto website CnEVPost reports.

The project is unveiled by Geely President and CEO of Zeekr, Andy An, in the parent company’s 2024 interim financial results.

He says the hybrid system uses the gasoline engine at highway speeds while providing full electric propulsion for overall speeds. This is hoped to solve the issue of high battery energy consumption with BEVs in extended-range mode at highway speeds.

However, the most likely reason for Zeekr’s hybrid toe-in-the-water is that even Chinese consumers are turning to the technology that is free from range anxiety.

About the Author

Paul Myles

European Editor, Informa Group

Paul Myles is an award-winning journalist based in Europe covering all aspects of the automotive industry. He has a wealth of experience in the field working at specialist, national and international levels.

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