Chine
Zeekr
Zeekr is a relatively young Chinese automotive brand, founded in March 2021 by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely), the conglomerate led by entrepreneur Li Shufu. Geely, established in 1986 as a manufacturer of refrigerator parts before moving into motorcycles and then automobiles in 1997, launched Zeekr to position itself in the premium segment of all-electric vehicles and to compete with brands such as Tesla, Nio and, more broadly, the German luxury automakers. The name Zeekr combines the idea of "Generation Z" and "geek," reflecting a technological and digital orientation. The brand's headquarters were established in Ningbo, in Zhejiang province. The first model, the Zeekr 001, an electric shooting brake, was unveiled and then launched in 2021, quickly followed by other models: the 009 luxury van, the small X SUV, and then the 007 sedan. Zeekr draws on Geely's engineering resources, in particular the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) electric platform, shared with other group brands such as Volvo, Polestar, Lynk & Co and Smart. The brand grew rapidly: Zeekr passed the milestone of 500,000 vehicles produced in record time and went public in the United States (NYSE) in 2024. In February 2025, as part of a group restructuring, Zeekr became a holding company (Zeekr Group) bringing together the Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands in order to pool production and reduce costs. Internationally, Zeekr first expanded into Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. In North America, its presence remains limited: the brand launched its first models in Mexico (001 and X), but official entry into the United States and Canada is still held back by tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and by regulatory concerns surrounding embedded software. Steps to prepare for the Canadian market (positions in Toronto, network development) have nonetheless been observed, with no officially confirmed launch date.
ActiveLuxePerformanceÉlectrique / hybrideChinoises
History
History of Zeekr
Zeekr is a relatively young Chinese automotive brand, founded in March 2021 by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely), the conglomerate led by entrepreneur Li Shufu. Geely, established in 1986 as a manufacturer of refrigerator parts before moving into motorcycles and then automobiles in 1997, launched Zeekr to position itself in the premium segment of all-electric vehicles and to compete with brands such as Tesla, Nio and, more broadly, the German luxury automakers. The name Zeekr combines the idea of "Generation Z" and "geek," reflecting a technological and digital orientation. The brand's headquarters were established in Ningbo, in Zhejiang province. The first model, the Zeekr 001, an electric shooting brake, was unveiled and then launched in 2021, quickly followed by other models: the 009 luxury van, the small X SUV, and then the 007 sedan. Zeekr draws on Geely's engineering resources, in particular the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) electric platform, shared with other group brands such as Volvo, Polestar, Lynk & Co and Smart. The brand grew rapidly: Zeekr passed the milestone of 500,000 vehicles produced in record time and went public in the United States (NYSE) in 2024. In February 2025, as part of a group restructuring, Zeekr became a holding company (Zeekr Group) bringing together the Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands in order to pool production and reduce costs. Internationally, Zeekr first expanded into Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. In North America, its presence remains limited: the brand launched its first models in Mexico (001 and X), but official entry into the United States and Canada is still held back by tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and by regulatory concerns surrounding embedded software. Steps to prepare for the Canadian market (positions in Toronto, network development) have nonetheless been observed, with no officially confirmed launch date.
Public founding or origin of Zeekr.
001: launch or first listed period.
007: launch or first listed period.
009: launch or first listed period.
X: launch or first listed period.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
Zeekr is built on Geely's modular SEA electric platform (and its derivatives such as PMA2+), designed specifically for battery-powered vehicles. The models are 100% electric, with no combustion or hybrid variants. The brand deploys an 800-volt high-voltage architecture enabling fast charging, as well as its own battery, thermal management and electric motor technologies, partly derived from the CATL joint venture. The vehicles generally offer single-motor (rear-wheel drive) or dual-motor (all-wheel drive) configurations with high power outputs. On the driver-assistance side, Zeekr integrates advanced suites (for example Haohan Smart Driving) combining lidar, high-definition cameras, millimeter-wave radars and ultrasonic sensors, with over-the-air software updates. The cabins emphasize large screens, extensive connectivity and refined materials. The brand has earned five stars in Euro NCAP testing on certain models.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
A 100% electric Chinese premium brand from the Geely group, combining advanced technology, performance and a competitive price against established luxury makers.
Reputation
Being very new, Zeekr does not yet have a long reliability track record or well-established resale-value data, especially in North America where it is almost entirely absent. European and Australian tests generally praise the performance, range, perceived cabin quality (soft-touch materials, finish close to the German premium standard) and the price-to-equipment ratio. Some reservations are nonetheless raised: uneven quality of certain physical controls, software ergonomics that can sometimes be improved and, above all, a young after-sales service that has been criticized in some European markets. The overall perception is that of an ambitious, technologically advanced brand that is still building up its network and long-term trust.
Strengths
Zeekr combines modern electric platforms (SEA, 800 V charging), strong performance, good range and generous technological equipment at a price often lower than established premium brands. Geely's industrial and financial backing, the highly automated Ningbo plant and access to battery technologies are solid assets for such a young brand.
Points to watch
The brand remains very young: there is little hindsight on long-term reliability and resale value, and the after-sales service network is immature and has been criticized in some markets. In North America, availability is almost nil because of tariffs and regulatory restrictions on Chinese electric vehicles, which complicates purchasing, parts and servicing in Canada.
Models
Zeekr models
Current or active models by market
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
Zeekr's production is concentrated in China, around its flagship plant in Ningbo (Meishan district), in Zhejiang province. This smart factory, operational since 2021, is highly automated (more than 800 robots, 5G connectivity, photovoltaic power generation) and targets a capacity of several hundred thousand vehicles per year, with a goal of carbon neutrality. The 2025 restructuring brought Zeekr and Lynk & Co closer together to pool the Geely group's production sites. In North America, Zeekr has no assembly plant of its own brand; the Geely group owns a plant in South Carolina (Volvo, Ridgeville), but no local Zeekr production has been confirmed there to date.
Tires and wheels
Zeekr vehicles are heavy, high-performance EVs, which translates into large-diameter wheels and wide tires. Depending on the model and version, you will find wheels from 19 to 22 inches, with fitments such as 255/55R19, 255/45R21, or even asymmetric 22-inch configurations. The bolt pattern falls within the common 5-bolt standards for this segment. In Quebec, winter tires certified with the 3PMSF symbol are mandatory and strongly recommended given the weight and instant torque of these EVs; a second winter set, often in a slightly reduced diameter, improves traction and cost. Always check the exact size listed on the door jamb before any purchase.