While Zeekr’s marketing team gears up for the 009 electric MPV launch, its engineering division is busy with the next project. The company is taking new prototypes out for testing on the public roads, spy pictures (view on CnEVPost) have revealed. Codenamed Zeekr BX1E, this will be the EV-only brand’s third product.
Design & Features
From its shape and dimensions, the Zeekr BX1E appears to be a small SUV. The boxy and squarish EV could be a premium sub-compact model with high-end technologies like what is promised with the Fisker Pear, which will go on sale in 2024. On the inside, according to a report from Yiche, it could have an LCD instrument cluster and a floating touchscreen infotainment system similar to the Zeekr 001 and Zeekr 009.
Specifications
The Zeekr BX1E could be based on the same version of the SEA platform that underpins the smart #1, as per the report. The report also states that the third Zeekr EV could be around 4,270 mm in length and its wheelbase could measure 2,750 mm. It may borrow the 66 kWh battery pack and 200 kW/343 Nm rear motor as well from the smart model.
The same version of the SEA platform that underpins the smart #1 could be the basis of the Zeekr BX1E. Image: Geely
Release Date
On August 19, 2022, Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. announced during its H1 2022 results that it had two Zeekr launches in H2 2022. However, neither of them will be the BX1E. The company said that the first model will be the recently announced 009 MPV and the other will be a 001 Plus. As the Zeekr BX1E’s testing has only just begun, it is unlikely that its launch will take place before mid-2023.
Zeekr U.S. launch
In an interview with Bloomberg (via YouTube) on April 15, 2021, An Conghui said that Zeekr’s North American launch will take place in 2023 or later. Conghui is the President of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Chairman of Geely Auto Group, and CEO of Zeekr Intelligent Technology. By the end of June 2022, there were 3 Zeekr Centres, 111 Zeekr Spaces, and 19 delivery centers for serving Zeekr customers in China.
North America is in our plan for the next step. That will happen after 2022. We’ll announce our plans for North America in the future.
An Conghui, President of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Chairman of Geely Auto Group, and CEO of Zeekr Intelligent Technology (Bloomberg Interview on April 15, 2021)
Featured image: Geely
Sagar Parikh Web Editor
With a Master’s Degree in Business Management & Administration, I’ve been working as an International Automotive News Editor since 2014, and have gained a wealth of knowledge and insight into hybrid and electric vehicles.
Keyword: Alleged Zeekr compact SUV spotted, to be Zeekr’s third model