Zeekr 009 Minivan, the electric Chinese proposal that could reach Europe

The Chinese manufacturer Geely has several brands under the umbrella of its infrastructure. One of the most recent is Zeekr, which has just launched the Zeekr 009 Minivan on the local market. This type of vehicle, which in Europe is giving way to SUVs, still enjoys great acceptance in China and in Asia in general. That is why they remain important, and models are offered aimed at users who are more receptive than Europeans.

In this case, it is a large minivan that can carry six people. It uses a three-row, two-seat configuration, where occupants can travel in great comfort. It was designed at the company’s design center in Gothenburg, Sweden, under the direction of former Volvo designer Stefan Sielaff.

Exterior design

The Zeekr 009 Minivan has a generous length of 5,209 mm, a width of 2,024 mm and a height of 1,807 mm. The wheelbase is 3,205 mm and its weight reaches 2,830 kg. The front is dominated by a large metallic grille with backlighting, very thin daytime running lights, and at the rear there is a set of lights spanning the full width of the tailgate. On the side there is a large sliding door, and the 20-inch wheels give it a robust and powerful look.

Interior and equipment

We have already discussed the seating layout, but it should be noted that occupants of the rear rows have a 15.6-inch screen to watch their favourite series or films during journeys. At the front there is a large touchscreen for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system.

The cabin features Nappa leather upholstery, folding tables, an internal communication system with microphones for the second and third rows, a panoramic sunroof, touch-sensitive controls integrated into the sliding doors and the audio system, which together create an elegant and luxurious space.

The 009 Minivan features an air suspension system that allows the ride height to be adjusted, both for tackling somewhat more demanding terrain and for getting in and out with ease. As for safety while driving, it has a total of 30 ADAS systems, resulting from the collaboration between Geely and Mobileye.

The hardware of these systems consists of seven cameras, four surround-view cameras, twelve short-range ultrasonic radars and one long-range millimetre-wave radar that continuously scans the surrounding area. The platform on which this model is based is an extended version of the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture).

The brake used by the Zeekr 009 Minivan is the same as that found on other models from Geely-owned brands, such as the recent Lotus Eletre.

Battery and motors

The battery fitted to this Chinese electric model is supplied by CATL. It is a lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack with a capacity of 140 kWh. It offers a range of 822 kilometres, although under the CLTP cycle. When homologated under the WLTP cycle it will offer a lower range, though it will be just as impressive.

As for the two motors fitted to the 009 Minivan, they deliver a combined output of 400 kW, equivalent to 544 CV.

Geely is working to position itself as an electric mobility brand worldwide, and it expects to sell 650,000 units of this type around the world in 2025.