Here’s a family-focused electric SUV from Zeekr

KUALA LUMPUR: For those of you who aren’t aware, Zeekr is a Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicles that in the past has impressed the auto world with its EVs like the 001, 007 sedan, 009 MPV and X, and SUV. Now, the automaker has teased its latest creation which is code named CX1e.

Also Read: Zeekr set for Imminent launch in Malaysia

The Zeekr CX1e is a mid-size SUV that after its launch will surely serve as a family car that can take you and your family to places. It seems like a strategic move on the automaker’s part as the family market segment has seen significant growth in the EV space. Also, this move will significantly improve the brand’s sales and market share.

Though the details are finite at the moment, the company’s vice president, Lin Jinwen, has only shared a few camouflaged images of the EV on Weibo. Here’s what we have been able to extract from the images and sources -

• The vehicle’s possible name could be Zeekr XZ or ZX, as the camouflage wrap features lots of x and z.
• The upcoming Zeekr EV is expected to underpin Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, popularly known as PMA2+. This one is a popular frame with many EVs including the 007, benefiting from its pros. On the Zeekr, it will also offer benefits like a decent performance and range.
• It is expected to feature a 102 kWh lithium-ion battery pack for the variants on top of the lineup and a smaller battery pack (75 kWh) for the low-end

• The car has been claimed to measure 4700 mm in length (the Model Y is 4,751 mm long)
• On the design front, the EV shares a lot with its sedan sibling, like the thin ‘Stargate’ light bar above the primary headlamps, full-width tail lights, flush pop-out door handles, and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor
• The use of the PMA2+ platform indicates the use of an 800V electric architecture that will allow for DC fast charging at up to 500 kW and rear- and dual-motor configuration

Zeekr CX1e launch

Though the company has not announced any official date, the electric SUV is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2024.

Zeekr’s plans

The Chinese EV brand plans to launch seven new models by 2026, including one wagon, two minivans, and four crossovers. In 2024, Zeekr has already introduced the Mix, and following it will be the CX1E. Next year, the brand is reported to introduce a CC1E wagon along with two SUVs called the EX1E and DX1E. Then in 2026, an electric minivan with the codename Beluga and an electric crossover codename Grampus are on the list.

Zeekr in Malaysia

While globally Zeekr is present in 30 countries with 20 more to be added to its list by the end of this year. As for Malaysia, it is a crucial part of the brand’s journey with X and 009 deemed as its first offerings in the country.

Also Read: Malaysia-bound Zeekr X EV gets an update in China for 2025