Spy shots of the Zeekr 001 liftback (see specs) with hybrid powertrain leaked online in China. Previously, Zeekr CEO Andy An confirmed that the company started the development of hybrid cars with the first model to launch in 2025. It is an understandable decision since hybrids have become quite popular in China.
A switch to hybrid technology has turned into a growing trend among Chinese EV makers. Avatr, Xpeng, and Zeekr confirmed they would launch hybrid models in the future. It’s not surprising since Chinese buyers prefer PHEV and EREV cars since EVs have a problem of range anxiety. Recently, the hybrid variant of Zeekr 001 was spotted in China.
Zeekr 001 with hybrid powertrain
The Zeekr 001 with a hybrid powertrain was spotted in China during road tests. It is covered with thick camouflage. However, we can easily see it adopts the exterior styling of the new Zeekr 001 launched in February this year. The spotted car has a LiDAR on the roof, LED running lights, and headlights integrated into the front bumper.
In general, the spotted car looks similar to the standard electric 001. However, it has a sticker on the hood that says “Hybrid Electric Vehicle”. So, the car in the photo is a hybrid variant.
There is little information about the hybrid powertrain system of Zeekr-branded vehicles. Zeekr CEO Andy An said the company’s hybrid technology would combine the advantages of plug-in hybrid and extended-range hybrid technologies. It means the car will drive in EREV mode at slow speeds. And the ICE will start sending torque directly to wheels on highways. This solution will solve the problem of high fuel consumption of EREVs at high speeds.
The first hybrid car from Zeekr will enter the market in the third quarter of 2025. But it isn’t the 001 liftback but the brand’s flagship SUV codenamed EX1E. The latter was previously revealed in patent images. It is a full-size crossover with a body shape similar to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. It seems the 001 liftback will become the next hybrid car from Zeekr to enter the market.
Editor’s comment
As Zeekr goes hybrid, it creates an awkward situation. This brand was initially created as an electric branch of Lynk & Co, a high-end car brand jointly created by Geely and Volvo. Nowadays, Lynk & Co makes a transition from ICE to BEV and PHEV technology. And you can already see the collision here. In the next few years, Geely will have two high-end car brands producing BEVs and PHEVs with quite close market positioning. It can result in an internal competition.
Source: Weibo
