The first contender to challenge Tesla’s Model S Plaid in terms of high-performance electric sedans is about to hit the Chinese market. The Zeekr 001 FR, developed by Geely Group, is based on the regular Zeekr 001 but features a radically different powertrain.
The Zeekr 001 FR boasts an incredibly powerful electric powertrain, generating 1,265 horsepower (943 kW) from four silicon carbide electric motors. This tremendous power enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.07 seconds, although it’s important to note that this acceleration figure appears to include a rolling start scenario, and the length of the rollout isn’t specified.
The vehicle’s power is distributed across all four wheels, allowing for precise torque vectoring. It also features a quad e-drive design that can adjust power to each wheel in milliseconds, offering agile cornering capabilities and even the ability to perform “tank turns.”
In terms of charging, the Zeekr 001 FR is equipped with a 100-kilowatt-hour CATL Qilin battery pack that supports ultra-fast charging. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 15 minutes thanks to the enhanced 800-volt electrical system.
Visually, the Zeekr 001 FR features an aggressive motorsport-inspired body kit with a front splitter, larger air intakes, side skirts, larger wheels with performance tires, a roof spoiler, a fixed rear wing, and a sporty rear bumper with a massive diffuser. Carbon fiber components are used extensively to enhance aerodynamics and add downforce.
Inside, details about the interior have not been released yet. However, Zeekr has stated that personalized training sessions will be provided to owners to help them become accustomed to driving high-performance vehicles.
The Zeekr 001 FR will be priced above 1 million yuan (approximately $137,750) in China, positioning it competitively against the Tesla Model S Plaid, which starts around $147,000 in the Chinese market. Deliveries are set to begin in China in October 2023, with production limited to 99 cars per month. It’s unclear if the Zeekr 001 FR will be offered outside of China.