The ZEEKR 001 First Look & First Drive

My obsession with cars is no secret to anyone who has been following my YouTube adventure. The Zeekr 001 was the most remarkable vehicle I saw at the Shenzhen auto show a few years ago.  Everyone there, including me, was captivated by its presence. My goal in writing this piece is to go more into my time spent using the Zeekr001, a preproduction model, at the factory prior to its release; highlighting its importance and the change it represents in the EV industry in China

Lynk & Co. debuted the Zeekr 001—then known as the Zero Concept—at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show, marking a giant leap forward in automotive design and technology. The tremendous amount of support from the car industry was a clear signal to make this idea a reality. An entirely new mobility technology business with huge ambitions for the future was established in response to this call—Zeekr. Zeekr is an interesting name in and of itself; it's a pun on "geek" that pays homage to Generation Z, and the "KR" is supposedly a reference to the legendary substance kryptonite, which weakens Superman. Zeekr intends to shake up the car business with innovation and power comparable to kryptonite's mythical strength, but the origin of the name is shrouded in mystery.

The Zeekr 001, to dive into the specs, is an electric marvel with a range of more than 700 kilometers and an acceleration time of 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. Not only does it have cutting-edge electric mobility performance measures, but it also represents a larger trend towards more environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, and powerful cars.

While the Zeekr 001's design language is reminiscent of Lynk & Co in its European-developed aesthetics, it also incorporates new features that make it stand apart. The vehicle's door system is one of its most eye-catching aspects, although becoming more common; it combines modern convenience with a touch of a button to open and close the doors. The Zeekr 001's inside is surprisingly roomy, especially in the back seat where you'll find headroom and legroom that defy the typical measurements of a sedan. The Paris skyline engraved into the window is just one of the meticulous design easter eggs that enhances the design.

The unique rear brake lights stand out from the rest of the exterior design; they encapsulate motion even when the car is at a complete stop by stretching and wrapping around it. Practicality and usability were also considered throughout the design of the vehicle's trunk and frunk, adding to its overall attractiveness.

When it comes to technology, the Zeekr 001 exemplifies the cutting-edge engineering and innovation that are propelling the electric vehicle sector ahead. At Level 2 with possibilities for Level 4, its autonomous driving capabilities demonstrate a dedication to not only keeping up with but also leading the industry. The combination of a spacious main screen with a minimalist instrument panel is indicative of a larger movement in automotive design toward simple, attractive, and intuitive user interfaces that place an emphasis on making information easily accessible.

There is no better way to enjoy the open road than in a Zeekr 001. The vehicle's dual character becomes apparent when shifting from comfort to sport mode—it can go from being a plush cruiser to a performance monster in an instant. Zeekr has prioritized providing an exceptional driving experience in every aspect of their vehicles, including the steering, seat comfort, and overall dynamics.

After spending some time in the Zeekr001, I can say with confidence that it is more than simply a car; it is a revolutionary leap into the future of Geely’s automotive future. Zeekr's 001 is revolutionary because it combines aesthetics, performance, and sustainability in a way that is both practical and thrilling to drive; showing evidence of how quickly the Geely Auto Group has evolved in maturity.   Electric vehicles are at the center of the automobile industry's change, which is happening at a key juncture. When it comes to electric vehicles, the Zeekr 001 not only lives up to but also surpasses the expectations of the modern day.

Ultimately, the Zeekr 001 personifies contemporary electric mobility at its most cutting-edge, opulent, and undeniably futuristic. Seeing this shooting brake design automobile at the Shenzhen auto show gave me a taste of the future, when eco-friendly design meets cutting-edge technology to produce thrilling adventuresBeing a part of this change is an exciting moment, and I can't wait to see what pioneers like Zeekr and others in the industry bring to the roads next.