Due to the sell-out of the previous model, the refreshed Zeekr 001 has launched pre-sales ahead of schedule. Key upgrades include a 900V platform, an optimized acceleration system, and improved battery technology.
September 23 marked the surprise pre-sale launch of the refreshed Zeekr 001.
The move came unexpectedly after images circulated on social media, allegedly from Zeekr’s internal workgroup, showing that the previous-generation Zeekr 001 had sold out. As a result, the new version’s pre-sale began earlier than scheduled, while the official launch remains set for mid-October, with deliveries to commence simultaneously.
Reports indicate that all Zeekr 001 WE and ME models are sold out, with only a small number of YOU editions still available. Multiple dealerships confirmed the news, and Zeekr’s official app has closed ordering channels for the outgoing model.
So far, the company has only announced pre-sale incentives for the refreshed 001: between September 23 at 13:30 and the official launch, customers can place a RMB 2,000 ($281) deposit that will count as RMB 7,000 ($983) toward the final payment.
The refreshed 001 is a core model in Zeekr’s 2026 lineup. Yet, the pure electric sedan market above RMB 250,000 ($35,100) has already reached a fever pitch.
Competition is fierce, with the Xiaomi SU7 and new-generation Xpeng P7 already established, and fresh entries such as the Audi E5 Sportback joining in. For Zeekr, failing to update the 001 would risk falling behind.
The question now is: what exactly has been upgraded in the refreshed Zeekr 001?
What Has Been “Refreshed”?
The “refreshed” aspects of the Zeekr 001 Refreshed Version can be summarized into two parts: the three-electric platform and intelligence.
The high-voltage architecture and three-electric system (motor, battery, and electronic control) are the “soul” of an electric vehicle. The Zeekr 001 Refreshed Version comes standard with a full-stack 900V three-electric platform across all trims, with a peak power of up to 680kW and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of as fast as 2.83 seconds.
- Compared with the old model: It is faster than the old Zeekr 001’s 3.3-second acceleration.
- Compared with competitors: It is on par with the Xiaomi SU7 Max (2.78 seconds) and the all-wheel-drive performance version of the Zeekr 007 (2.84 seconds).
On the battery side, the 001 supports up to 12C charging, allowing the pack to charge from 10% to 80% in just seven minutes, with a maximum CLTC range of 810 km.
For reference:
- BYD’s “Megawatt Flash Charging” 1000V high-voltage system can support a 10C charging rate;
- The Xiaomi SU7 Pro has a CLTC range of 830km;
- The 2025 Voyah Zhiyin Long-Range Kunlun Edition has a CLTC range of 901km;
- The all-new XPeng P7 also achieves a maximum CLTC range of 820km.
MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) information released in August shows that the battery packs of the Zeekr 001 Refreshed Version have two options—ternary lithium and lithium iron phosphate—supplied by CATL-Geely and Jiyao Tongxing respectively.
Information released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in August shows that the battery packs of the refreshed Zeekr 001 have two versions: ternary lithium and lithium iron phosphate, which come from Times Geely and Jiyao Tongxing respectively.
Driving quality has always been the “hallmark” of the Zeekr 001. The refreshed version is upgraded to a closed dual-chamber air suspension, with a maximum adjustment stroke of 85mm. The CCD electromagnetic damping system, intelligent magic carpet function, and Dinghai Intelligent Control Unit all come as standard across all trims, and the official claim is that it is “capable of both track driving and off-road use.”
The intelligent assisted driving solution has also been upgraded to the Qianli Haohan H7 system across all trims, equipped as standard with a Thor-U chip (with a total computing power of 700 TOPS) and a lidar. It is said to support “park-to-park navigation” and is fitted with a “small blue light” (a visual indicator for assisted driving).
More details about the Zeekr 001 Refreshed Version can be obtained from the MIIT information released in August.
For example, there are minor adjustments to the exterior details, new optional wheel styles have been added, and customers can also opt for wheel rims and a rear spoiler identical to those of the 001 FR. This can be regarded as an opportunity for those who cannot afford the FR version to gain “emotional value” from their vehicle.
In summary, the “update” of the Zeekr 001 Refreshed Version focuses on internal innovations, and its main purpose is to maintain market competitiveness. Considering its upgraded parameters, the market performance of the Zeekr 001 Refreshed Version is worth looking forward to.
Why the 001 urgently needed a refresh
As Zeekr’s debut model, the 001 has carried the brand’s sales ambitions, once peaking at nearly 15,000 units per month.
Over the past two years, however, sales have lost momentum. From January to August 2025, monthly sales fell below 5,000, often dropping under 3,000.
The RMB 200,000–300,000 ($28,100–$42,130) EV sedan segment has become crowded.
As noted earlier, new rivals such as the Xiaomi SU7 and new-generation Xpeng P7 are attracting attention with more advanced platforms and richer features. On top of that, the Audi E5 Sportback adds pressure as a premium joint-venture entry.
Their sales figures show strong demand. The SU7 has become Xiaomi’s volume pillar, supporting more than 20,000 monthly deliveries. The new P7 drew over 10,000 firm orders within just seven minutes of launch, reflecting robust consumer interest.
Meanwhile, Zeekr itself has broadened its lineup with models like the 007 (including the GT variant) and 7X, which inevitably diverted some potential buyers from the 001.
Today, consumers in the RMB 200,000–300,000 ($28,100–$42,130) range enjoy far more options than before. In such a dramatically reshaped landscape, the 001 desperately needed an upgrade to restore its competitive edge.
The refreshed 001 is Zeekr’s response.
Will existing owners feel betrayed?
According to Zeekr’s official announcements, by Q4 this year not only the 001 but also the 007 and 7X will be upgraded to the 900V platform with Thor-U chips, aligning core capabilities across the brand’s lineup.
It remains unclear whether pricing will be adjusted to reflect market competition.
Given Geely Group’s recent strategy of aggressive pricing with new models, it is not impossible that the refreshed 001 could arrive with “more for the same price.”
Still, the rapid update cycle may leave some existing owners feeling shortchanged.
This is a dilemma for automakers in China: update too slowly and risk obsolescence, update too quickly and risk alienating current customers.
On the positive side, Zeekr’s product cadence appears to be stabilizing. The “three launches in a year” phenomenon seems not to have spread further, which may itself be seen as progress.
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