Chinese EV maker Zeekr plugs in to hybrids to tap into soaring sales

Zeekr, a premium electric vehicle (EV) unit of Geely Auto, has jumped on the hybrid technology bandwagon to widen its customer base amid rising competition in the world’s largest automotive market.

The Hangzhou-based company has become the latest mainland Chinese EV assembler to launch plug-in hybrids, leaving Shanghai-headquartered Nio as the only domestic company making pure EVs.

US carmaker Tesla, which produces cars on the mainland, is another maker of pure EVs.

“Nearly all Chinese carmakers have a diverse product portfolio to compete against Tesla now,” said Gao Shen, an independent analyst in Shanghai. “Plug-in cars target some customers who are either budget conscious or nervous about electric cars’ range.”

The 9X, Zeekr’s first hybrid model, will use the Freevoy Super Hybrid battery produced by Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), giving the SUV a range of 380km. Hybrid cars normally utilise the battery for short distances ranging from 100km to 200km, and switch to fuel for longer drives.

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Zeekr said in a statement on Wednesday that its hybrid technology “sets new standards for long-range plug-in hybrid [cars], including best-in-class charging speeds, acceleration and vibration control for both highway cruising and urban experiences”.