Zeekr sets sights on electric expansion with two plug-in hybrid models to debut in 2025, targeting a significant milestone of 320,000 vehicle deliveries.

Geely Group President Andy An announced on Wednesday that Zeekr is set to introduce three new models in 2025: two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and a station wagon version of the Zeekr 007.

Under the Geely Group’s umbrella, Zeekr initially operated solely as an electric vehicle brand; yet, by 2025, a shift towards plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) among Chinese consumers may prompt a change in Zeekr’s strategy.

The company intends to introduce a station wagon derivative of its Zeekr 007 sedan by mid-2025, targeting a Q2 launch date. Launched in November, the latest model has been equipped with additional exterior options, unveiled last week.

Zeekr’s response to Tesla’s Model 3 in China is dubbed the 007. The top-tier trim boasts a substantial 100-kilowatt-hour nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery from renowned manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL), enabling an impressive range of approximately 660 kilometers according to the Chinese Laboratory Test Cycle (CLTC). Twin electric motors deliver a substantial 475 kilowatts of power, enabling swift acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 0.8 seconds. Starting at a price of 209,900 yuan, or approximately $28,750 USD, the 4.9-meter sedan is available in China.

By the end of the third quarter, Zeekr is set to introduce its inaugural flagship SUV, officially designated as the DX1E. The new model would offer both all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants.

By the end of 2025, the company plans to introduce its new mid-size SUV, code-named EX1E, which will be available with both all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain options.

Zeekr kept mum on the specific details of its new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain specifications. Andy Anderson, also known simply as Andy, has dubbed his latest innovation a “Tremendous Hybrid System”, boasting that it will seamlessly integrate. The powertrain is engineered to minimize power consumption on highways while still delivering a seamless all-electric driving experience.

According to CarnewsChina data, the Tremendous Hybrid system is likely to be a refined iteration of Geely’s most recent EM-i Leishen plug-in hybrid technology.

Geely unveiled its Leishen EM-i, previously known as NordThor EM-i, on October 30 in China. Claiming superiority over BYD’s DM 5.0 powertrain, the corporation asserts its product boasts higher specifications, boasting fuel efficiency of 2.67 litres per 100 kilometres and an extended driving range of up to 2,390 kilometres.

The Zeekr brand’s innovative hybrid technology is poised to make its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are garnering widespread attention and popularity in China. In 2024, from January to November, the global market saw a significant surge in BEV (all-electric vehicle) sales, with a 15.6% year-over-year increase to approximately 6.74 million units. Meanwhile, PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) sales more than doubled, rising 86.4% to around 4.51 million units.

BYD’s 2024 strategy was largely driven by the rapid growth of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In 2023, the corporation acquired 1.57 million battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and 1.48 million plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The following year, BEV sales rose slightly to 1.76 million units, while PHEV sales increased significantly to nearly 2.5 million units.

Zeekr’s 2025 supply goal

As part of his announcement, Andy also outlined the company’s ambitious target of achieving 320,000 deliveries by 2025, representing a significant 55% increase from the 222,123 vehicles delivered in 2024. By 2024, Zeekr had expanded its retail presence significantly, increasing its global shop count by 150 to reach a total of 538 outlets.

As a subsidiary of the Geely Group, Zeekr aims to achieve a significant milestone in its gross sales goal for 2025, with a target of 2.71 million automobiles. Approximately 1.5 million of them are electrical.

According to the latest statistics, Zeekr successfully acquired a significant number of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide in 2024, recording a substantial surge of 87.3% with a total of 222,123 units sold globally compared to the previous year’s figure of 118,585. The corporation barely fell short of its ambitious 2024 gross sales target of 230,000 units.