Zeekr Expands To Australia, Eyes Japan For 2025 With EV Offerings

Zeekr, a rapidly expanding Chinese electric car manufacturer, is set to make its mark in the Australian market this year, with plans to enter the Japanese market in 2025. The company is breaking into the Australian market by forming a local subsidiary and selling its cars through franchise dealerships.

Australia will get its first taste of the brand's X SUV. With its 66 kWh lithium-ion battery housed beneath the floor, this electric vehicle can traverse an astounding 335 miles on a single charge in its single-motor, rear-wheel drive configuration. The battery can undergo fast charging at 150 kW, enabling full recharge from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes.

Options for those looking for additional power include a 315 kW (422 hp) and 543 Nm (400 lb-ft) dual-motor, all-wheel drive variant, as well as a 200 kW (268 hp) and 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) torque single-motor version. The increased performance has resulted in a sacrifice in efficiency, limiting the range to just 292 miles.

Before fees, the base model will cost less than AU$60,000 (~$40,000) in the local market, while the all-wheel drive variant will cost less than AU$70,000 (~$46,700). By the end of 2024, the 009 premium MPV will join the X in the Zeekr lineup.

"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," said Connal Yan, managing director of Zeekr Australia.

One of Zeekr's goals is to dominate the Japanese market. Currently, the company is focusing on meeting the safety requirements of the areas where it will soon open showrooms in Tokyo and Osaka. Japan will launch both the X and the 009, although the local price remains unknown.