Zeekr: who produces, what models it produces and is it worth buying electric cars of this brand

What is Zeekr and why are people talking about it?

If you follow the news of the automotive market, you have probably heard about Zeekr - a young but ambitious brand of electric vehicles from China. The company positions itself as a premium manufacturer capable of competing Tesla, BMW and even Mercedes in the electric car segment. But what is behind this name? Who actually makes the cars? Zeekr, and why are they gaining popularity so quickly?

Brand Zeekr was founded in 2021 as a subsidiary Geely Holding Group - one of the largest automakers in China, owner of such brands as Volvo, Polestar, Lotus and Proton. Unlike many other Chinese startups, Zeekr initially focused on the global market, including Europe and Russia. Just two years after the launch, the brand began delivering to Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and other countries, and in 2026 officially entered the Russian market.

Main difference Zeekr from competitors - a combination of advanced technologies, premium design and relatively affordable prices. For example, the flagship model Zeekr 001 offers a range of up to 1032 km (according to the CLTC cycle) and acceleration to 100 km/h in 2.07 s, which is comparable to the characteristics Tesla Model S Plaid, but at the same time costs less. However, not everything is so smooth: the brand also has critical points that you should know about before purchasing.

Who is behind the Zeekr brand: owners and technologies

Zeekr is not just another Chinese startup, but a project with serious support. The brand belongs to Geely Automobile Holdings, which is among the top 10 largest automakers in the world. This means that you Zeekr have access to:

• 🔧 Volvo technology — platforms, security systems and hybrid developments.
• 🔋 Own batteries — Zeekr uses batteries from CATL (leader in EV battery production) and develops its own solutions, e.g. Qilin Battery with record energy density.
• 🤖 Autonomous driving — partnership with Mobileye (daughter Intel) and own system Zeekr AD level L2+.
• 🌍 Global dealer network - thanks Geely, Zeekr quickly enters new markets, including Russia.

Interesting fact: despite its Chinese roots, Zeekr actively cooperates with European partners. For example, the design of the models is developed by a Swedish studio that previously worked with Volvo, and the software is tested in Germany. This allows the brand to avoid problems with build quality and ergonomics typical of Chinese cars.

⚠️ Attention: Don't be confused Zeekr with ZEEKR (sometimes written in capital letters) are the same brand. You can also find references online Zeekr Intelligent Technology, which is the full legal name of the company.

Zeekr models: specifications and prices (2026)

At the moment Zeekr offers four main models, each targeting different market segments. Below is a comparison table with key parameters:

Model	Body type	Cruising range (WLTP), km	Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s	Price in Russia (2026), ₽
Zeekr 001	Liftback	530–850	2.07–3.8	from 4,200,000
Zeekr 007	Sedan	680–870	3.2–5.6	from 3,800,000
Zeekr X	Crossover	440–560	3.7–6.2	from 3,500,000
Zeekr 009	Minivan	510–702	4.5–6.9	from 5,100,000

Unique Feature Zeekr 001 — possibility of installing batteries with a capacity 140 kWh, making it one of the longest-range production electric cars in the world. In this case, the model is equipped with two electric motors with a total power 544–1265 hp (in version 001 FR).

Model Zeekr X positioned as a compact crossover for the city, but with all-wheel drive and a range of up to 560 km. A Zeekr 009 is a premium minivan with a 6-7 seat interior that competes with Tesla Model X and Mercedes EQV.

Why Zeekr 001 called "Chinese Porsche Taycan"

The model was developed with the participation of engineers who had previously worked on Porsche Taycan. This is noticeable in the low center of gravity, sports suspension and recuperation system, which allows braking almost without the use of traditional brakes.

Pros and cons of Zeekr electric vehicles

Like any young brand, Zeekr has strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them in more detail:

Benefits

• ⚡ High power reserve - especially the flagship 001, which outperforms many competitors.
• 💰 Competitive price - cheaper than similar ones Tesla and BMW i with similar characteristics.
• 🛡️ Security — bodies are developed taking into account standards Euro NCAP, and the system Zeekr Shield includes up to 22 sensors.
• 🔄 Fast charging — power support up to 500 kW (in 001), which allows you to restore 80% charge in 15 minutes.

Disadvantages

• 🔧 Service network — there are still few official dealers in Russia, which can complicate repairs.
• 📱 Software — the multimedia interface sometimes slows down, especially in earlier versions of the firmware.
• 🔋 Battery degradation — like all EVs, after 3–5 years the battery capacity may decrease by 10–15%.
• 🚗 Secondary market - due to the newness of the brand, prices for used Zeekr are still unpredictable.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Zeekr in Russia, check whether the model supports OTA updates (over-the-air updates). Some shipments destined for China may have restrictions on overseas servers.

Zeekr in Russia: official supplies and prices

Official sales Zeekr in Russia began in 2026 through the dealer network Geely Group. Currently available:

• 🚗 Zeekr 001 — flagship liftback.
• 🚙 Zeekr X - compact crossover.
• 🚐 Zeekr 009 — premium minivan (limited editions).

Prices start from 3.5 million ₽what's on 20–30% lower than competitors with similar characteristics. For example, Tesla Model Y Long Range in Russia it costs from 4.8 million ₽, and BMW i4 - from 5.5 million ₽.

Features of purchasing in Russia:

• 📄 Warranty — 4 years or 120,000 km (whichever comes first).
• 🔌 Charging infrastructure — Zeekr collaborates with networks Fastned and EvaTech for installing fast chargers.
• 💳 Benefits — in some regions there are subsidies for the purchase of electric cars (check locally).

Comparison of Zeekr with competitors: Tesla, BYD, NIO

To understand whether it is worth choosing Zeekr, compare it with the main competitors in the premium electric car segment:

Parameter	Zeekr 001	Tesla Model S	BYD Han EV	NIO ET7
Cruising range (WLTP), km	530–850	600–652	506–550	500–700
Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s	2.07–3.8	1.99–3.1	3.9–7.9	3.8–5.5
Price in Russia, ₽	from 4,200,000	from 6,500,000	from 3,900,000	from 5,800,000
Battery warranty, years	8	8	6	8

Conclusion: Zeekr 001 wins against Tesla Model S in terms of price/power reserve ratio, but loses in charging speed (in Tesla network Supercharger better developed). BYD Han EV cheaper, but inferior in dynamics and premium quality. NIO ET7 offers replaceable batteries, but is more expensive and less available in Russia.

Prospects for Zeekr: what to expect in the future?

U Zeekr ambitious plans for the coming years:

• 🚀 New models — an electric pickup truck is expected to debut in 2026 Zeekr Mix and compact hatchback Zeekr 006.
• 🔋 Batteries without cobalt - by 2026 Zeekr plans to completely switch to batteries without rare earth metals.
• 🤖 Autonomy L4 — testing of unmanned technologies is already underway in Sweden and China.
• 🌍 Expansion into Europe - by 2026 Zeekr plans to sell cars in 10+ EU countries.

In Russia, the brand is also increasing its presence: by the end of 2026, the number of dealers should increase from 15 to 50. In addition, Zeekr is negotiating with local manufacturers about the possibility of localizing assembly (for example, at facilities MosTransAuto in Moscow).

⚠️ Attention: If you are planning to buy Zeekr on credit, keep in mind that not all banks are ready to finance Chinese electric cars. Before registration, check the conditions in Sberbank, VTB or Alfa-Bank — they are more likely than others to approve such transactions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Zeekr

❓ How much does Zeekr service cost in Russia?

Maintenance cost for Zeekr starts from 15 000 ₽ for the basic package (filter replacement, diagnostics). For comparison: TO Tesla Model 3 costs 20 000–25 000 ₽. However, please note that spare parts for Zeekr may take longer to deliver (up to 2–3 months for rare parts).

❓ Is it possible to charge Zeekr at Tesla stations?

Yes, but with an adapter. Zeekr uses standard CCS Combo 2, like most European EVs. To charge on Tesla Supercharger you will need an adapter CCS → NACS (cost ~10 000 ₽). From 2026 Tesla promises to open its network to other brands without adapters.

❓ What is the battery warranty of Zeekr?

Official warranty for the battery - 8 years or 160,000 km (whichever comes first). At the same time Zeekr ensures that the battery capacity does not drop below 70% from the original during this period. If degradation exceeds the norm, the battery will be replaced free of charge.

❓ Where is Zeekr produced?

All models Zeekr assembled in China at a factory in Ningbo (Zhejiang Province). This is a high-tech enterprise with automated lines, where they also produce machines for Volvo and Polestar. Localization in Russia is not yet planned, but assembly from machine kits (SKD) is being discussed.

❓ What is the service life of Zeekr electric motors?

The manufacturer declares the service life of electric motors to be no less than 500,000 km or 10 years of operation. In practice, owners Zeekr 001 (2022–2023) confirm that after 100,000 km There are no problems with the motors. The main thing is to monitor the cooling system and avoid deep battery discharges.