Zeekr Proves As Tesla's Biggest Threat, 2021 Zeekr 001 Stock Sold Out!

It seems that Geely's premium electric car, Zeekr 001 is a fierce competitor for Tesla. The proof? All existing stock for 2021 for the Zeekr 001 model is sold out! The question is, how will Tesla try to surpass Zeekr’s achievements?

The Zeekr 001 was just launched in April last year by the same company that owns Volvo Cars and Lotus, Geely. This electric car was launched to meet the demand of premium electric car enthusiasts in China. A total of 2 billion yuan (about RM1.27 billion) has been invested by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and Geely Automobile to develop Zeekr.

Formed as Tesla's biggest threat

In addition to being created to meet the high demand for electric cars in China, Zeekr has been launched to ‘replace’ Tesla. According to Tesla's sales report, China contributed about one-fifth of Tesla's global sales profit with a total of USD31.5 billion (about RM130.8 billion).

In an interview once held by a TV station in China, Elon Musk praised China’s national mission to reduce carbon emissions. However, Tesla’s position began to be threatened when Beijing issued a directive barring government and military employees from using Tesla out of concern over the way data was being managed that had been collected from cameras fitted to Tesla.

An overview on Tesla cars' cameras, shared by System Plus

Specifications and technology used by Zeekr 001

Zeekr is a model built based on the Lynk & Co Zero concept car introduced last year and built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform with a length of 4,970mm, width 1,999mm, height 1,560mm with a wheelbase of 3,005mm. Meanwhile, the boot space is 2144 liters.

In terms of technology, the 001 is a high-tech model that can detect individuals approaching a car using a face-tracking system, and it's doors can also be opened and closed automatically.

Zeekr 001 is built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform

The car’s cabin features a flat-bottom steering wheel, a large 15.4-inch center touch screen, an 8-inch instrument cluster, AI Mate voice command system, Yamaha 11-speaker audio system and a 14.7-inch HUD display.

Manufactured in Ningbo, the vehicle has two electric motors that can provide output power up to 536 hp and torque up to 700 Nm. This allows the car to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

Geely and Ningbo signed a cooperation agreement

This electric car uses battery packs with a capacity of 86kWh and 100kWh with a travel distance for a single charge of up to 700 km.

What strategy will Tesla arrange after this? 

Given that China is seen as one of the most important markets for Tesla, what is the strategy that this leading electric car company will use? Previously, there have been many other companies trying to compete with Tesla as done by Dyson EV, Fisker Automotive, Nikola Corporation and Faraday Future Incorporated - which all failed and went bankrupt. Zeekr's presence as Tesla's competitor in the electric car market is seen as a healthy competition, each coming with its own greatness.