Zeekr 001 Tipped For Australian Launch Within 18 Months

Zeekr’s flagship 001 liftback, the model that launched the Chinese premium EV brand, may finally make its way to Australian shores. The company is reportedly developing a second-generation version due within the next 12 to 18 months, and this time, right-hand-drive production is on the table.

Ray Chien, Zeekr’s Head of High-Performance Models, confirmed the plan to the media at the local launch of the 7X SUV, suggesting that the current left-hand-drive-only 001 will give way to a new model designed for global markets.

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New Model on the Horizon

The current Zeekr 001, launched in 2021, has undergone a flurry of updates in China but has never been built for right-hand-drive markets like Australia. That could change soon, with Zeekr targeting a late 2026 debut for the new generation.

Chien hinted that the upcoming model will likely be developed with export markets in mind, opening the door for an Australian introduction.

Key details from the current generation’s evolution include:

• Frequent updates since 2023, including larger screens and revised styling
• Transition to 800-volt and 900-volt architectures for ultra-fast charging
• Addition of semi-autonomous driving systems and new performance grades
• Latest versions can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just seven minutes

Despite its updates, Zeekr sees the 001 as nearing the end of its lifecycle, clearing the path for a next-generation model built on more advanced underpinnings.

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Performance and Future Plans

The Zeekr 001 has built a reputation in China as one of the most powerful EV liftbacks on sale. Its FR performance flagship delivers a staggering 930kW, achieving 0–100km/h in just 2.36 seconds. Reports from China suggest an even more extreme version, possibly with up to 2000 horsepower (1471kW), is in development.

Chien confirmed that the latest 001 shares the 900-volt system with Zeekr’s 007 sedan and 7X SUV, giving it faster charging and higher output.

Zeekr’s local strategy is taking shape:

• Over 2500 pre-orders logged for the new 7X SUV in Australia
• The 7X sits in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment
• Future lineup could include the 8X plug-in hybrid SUV and 007 GT wagon

If the next 001 arrives as expected, it would position Zeekr as a serious contender against rivals like Polestar and BYD in the premium EV space.