Zeekr 001 2025 Refresh: Faster Charging, Stronger Performance, Smarter Tech Overview
The refreshed Zeekr 001 has officially launched in China, bringing a mix of higher performance, ultra-fast charging, and advanced in-car technology. The most surprising part is that the price remains nearly the same. The new lineup starts from 269,800 yuan (≈ AED 137,000) and goes up to 329,800 yuan (≈ AED 168,000), making it an attractive option in the premium electric segment.
Performance and Powertrain
The new Zeekr 001 offers two main versions. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive model delivers 503 horsepower and uses a 103 kWh battery with a range of up to 640 km on the Chinese CLTC cycle. The more powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive version produces an incredible 925 horsepower and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.83 seconds, placing it among the quickest four-door EVs in its class. It uses a 95 kWh pack and still maintains an impressive range between 730 km and 762 km in the long-range configuration.
Thanks to its 900-volt electrical system, the Zeekr 001 supports ultra-fast DC charging — the battery charges from 10 to 80 percent in just 7–10 minutes. This gives drivers near gas-station convenience with the efficiency of an EV.
Design and Comfort
The exterior updates are subtle but elegant: a reshaped front bumper, refined LED lighting, and minor aerodynamic tweaks for smoother airflow. The car keeps its sleek liftback silhouette and generous proportions, combining practicality with premium style. The optional air suspension can raise ground clearance up to 206 mm, ideal for uneven city roads or resort driveways in the UAE.
Inside, Zeekr upgraded both technology and comfort. The digital cockpit now includes a 13-inch instrument screen, a 16-inch central display, and a massive 39.3-inch augmented-reality head-up display. The audio system can be configured with up to 29 speakers, offering a studio-grade experience. Seats feature extended adjustment ranges, heating, ventilation, and enhanced massage functions for long-distance comfort.
Technology and Safety
A major leap comes from the Thor-U processor, capable of 700 TOPS (trillion operations per second). It powers next-generation driver-assistance features, enabling smoother lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and semi-autonomous driving. The system can update over the air, ensuring the 001 evolves with every software release.
Zeekr’s engineers focused on stability and control — the dual-motor variant offers balanced handling even under strong acceleration. Combined with adaptive dampers and quick steering response, the car delivers both precision and comfort, which makes it suitable for long drives between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Value and Market Position
Despite the performance boost and premium equipment, the price increase is minimal compared to the previous generation. For context, the earlier base model cost 259,000 yuan (≈ AED 132,000). The updated car, with far more advanced systems and higher output, adds only about AED 5,000 to the entry price.
In China, the Zeekr 001 competes with Tesla Model S, BYD Han EV, and NIO ET7, yet undercuts them in price while offering more power and faster charging. For the UAE market, where EV infrastructure is expanding rapidly, it could become a benchmark in the premium electric segment — combining supercar acceleration with limousine-level comfort.
Practical Perspective for the UAE
The car’s long range and lightning-fast charging make it perfect for inter-emirate routes. A 7-minute top-up at a high-power station can easily cover another 500 km — ideal for road trips between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah. The liftback trunk offers generous space for luggage, golf gear, or beach equipment, while the quiet cabin and advanced climate control fit the hot Gulf environment.
For renters and visitors, the intuitive infotainment and smooth power delivery make it easy to adapt from day one. The air suspension’s lift mode helps when entering underground car parks or luxury hotel ramps, common across Dubai’s resorts.
Key Technical Specifications
Architecture: 900 V platform, ultra-fast DC charging
Battery: 95 kWh or 103 kWh
Power: 503 hp (RWD) / 925 hp (AWD)
0–100 km/h: 2.83 s (AWD)
Range: 640–762 km (CLTC)
Ground clearance: Up to 206 mm
Displays: 13″ + 16″ + 39.3″ HUD
Audio: Up to 29 speakers
Assistance system: Thor-U chip, 700 TOPS
The 2025 Zeekr 001 proves that speed and sophistication can coexist without a luxury-brand price tag. It redefines expectations for what an electric grand-tourer can deliver — thrilling acceleration, comfort for long distances, and charging times that make daily EV use effortless. For UAE drivers looking to rent or own a next-generation EV, the updated Zeekr 001 is one of the most compelling choices of the year.
