It has been just 56 days since electric vehicle startup Zeekr started building the 007 sedan and already, it has built its 10,000th unit, an impressive feat. While the 007 is a radical new model from a brand that has only existed for a few years, it has been very well received in China. In fact, more than 51,000 orders were placed in the 40 days before its global unveiling in December and Zeekr believes the 007 can outsell the Tesla Model 3 in China this year.
The 10,000th example to leave the factory
was painted in a simple shade of white and commemorated the occasion by
displaying a special message reading ‘The 10,000th Zeekr 007’ across the front
LED light bar. A key part of the 007’s appeal is its affordability. In China,
it starts at 209,900 yuan (US$ 29,000) and tops out at 299,900 yuan (US$ 41,700).
While it certainly isn’t the cheapest EV on sale in China, it would appear to
represent good value for money when you look at the spec sheet.
Shoppers can order the 007 with either a
CATL battery or the ‘Golden Battery’ developed in-house by Zeekr. The latter
has a 75 kWh capacity and is a lithium-iron phosphate unit providing the EV
with a range of 688 km. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this
battery is that Zeekr says it supports peak charging of up to 500 kW, meaning
500 km of range can be added in just 15 minutes. Those seeking the
most amount of range can go for the 100 kWh CATL battery, allowing the 007 to
travel up to 870 km between charges.
Entry-level versions of the Zeekr are
equipped with a 416 hp and 440 Nm silicon carbide rear
electric motor while the all-wheel drive version pairs this motor with a 221 hp / 270 Nm unit at the front, allowing it to hit 100 km/h in 2.84 seconds.
