Zeekr has quashed speculation that its 001 shooting brake faces discontinuation or a name change in 2026, confirming the model will remain central to its product strategy after the latest round of updates.
The statement came mid-October through the brand’s official customer communication platform, addressing persistent chatter that had gained momentum across Chinese online automotive communities.
According to the company, the refreshed 001 presented earlier this month represents a long-cycle product rather than a placeholder ahead of replacement.
Future development will focus on software-based feature additions and equipment adjustments instead of fundamental redesign, with the brand emphasizing that the model’s core architecture and design language will carry forward.
The update encompasses mechanical, electronic and safety improvements — covering the electric drivetrain, suspension setup, crash protection, autonomous driving capability and infotainment systems — while preserving the distinctive fastback silhouette and interior roominess that have defined the 001 since launch.
Visual changes remain subtle, most notably a simplified rear-end treatment that eliminates earlier reflector elements for cleaner surfacing.
As Zeekr’s inaugural model dating back to 2021, the 001 has accumulated over 300,000 unit sales across more than 40 international markets.
The current generation rides on an 800-volt-plus platform enabling up to 810km of range under China’s CLTC testing regime, with the dual-motor performance setup delivering 925hp. That translates to benchmark acceleration figures — 100kph arrives in 2.83 seconds — and a 280kph maximum velocity.
All variants include lidar sensors, Nvidia’s Thor-U computing hardware rated at 700 TOPS processing capacity, and Zeekr’s H7 driver-assistance technology.
Chinese market pricing spans from 269,800 yuan (RM161,000) for the 95kWh dual-motor Max configuration to 329,800 yuan (RM196,000) for the 103kWh Ultra+ flagship, though the company notes these figures remain subject to revision throughout the production run.
The formal denial appears aimed at stabilising customer sentiment and protecting short-term sales momentum, with the brand clearly viewing the 001 as too valuable to its premium EV positioning to retire prematurely.
By committing to iterative refinement rather than wholesale replacement, Zeekr is betting that software-driven evolution can extend the model’s commercial viability without the expense of a next-generation platform.
