Zeekr’s first hybrid model boasts largest-ever PHEV battery (70 kWh) and over 3-ton weight
Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle brand under Geely, has officially unveiled its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, the Zeekr 9X, a flagship SUV. The vehicle’s core specifications have been revealed through its filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and further details from an official presentation, ahead of its anticipated pre-sales launch at the Chengdu Auto Show in late August.
The Zeekr 9X is a full-size SUV, measuring 5239mm in length, 2019mm or 2029mm in width, and 1819mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3169mm. Notably, the vehicle’s curb weight exceeds 3 tons.
Powering the Zeekr 9X is a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system built on the all-new SEA-S modular architecture (Haohan-S). This system integrates a 2.0-litre turbocharged “DHE20-PFZ” engine from Aurora Bay (Jiguang Wan 极光湾 in Chinese) Technology Co., boasting a peak power output of 205 kW (275 hp) and a thermal efficiency exceeding 46%. This engine is claimed to be 5% to 10% more fuel-efficient than typical 1.5T hybrid engines.
The hybrid powertrain is complemented by three silicon carbide electric motors, delivering a combined peak power of 1,030 kW (1,381 hp). Zeekr asserts that this power output is comparable to three W12 petrol engines. This power enables the Zeekr 9X to achieve a 0-100 kph acceleration in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h. The official statement claims only a 0.2-second difference in 0-100 kph acceleration between full and low battery states.
A highlight of the Zeekr 9X’s powertrain is its CATL-made Freevoy battery, available in 55.1 kWh and 70 kWh capacities. The 70 kWh version is the largest battery pack in any passenger PHEV, offering a pure electric range of up to 302 km under CLTC conditions. Built on a 900V system, the battery supports a maximum 6C charging rate, allowing for a 20% to 80% charge in 9 minutes.
The Zeekr 9X is set to begin pre-sales in China at the Chengdu Auto Show in late August and is expected to enter the market officially in Q3 of this year. According to Zeekr, the car’s price range may be between 600,000 and 900,000 yuan (90,000 to 210,000 USD).
