Chinese EV Maker Zeekr Embraces Plug-in Hybrids to Expand Market Share Amidst Rising Competition
Key Insights
Zeekr, Geely's premium EV unit, has launched its first plug-in hybrid model, the 9X, to expand its customer base in China's competitive automotive market.
This strategic shift makes Zeekr the latest Chinese EV maker to diversify into hybrids, leaving Nio as the only major domestic pure-EV player alongside Tesla.
The Zeekr 9X will feature CATL's Freevoy Super Hybrid battery, offering an electric-only range of 380 kilometers, significantly extending typical hybrid capabilities.
The move aims to appeal to budget-conscious consumers and those concerned about pure electric vehicle range, intensifying competition for pure-EV manufacturers.
Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of Chinese automotive giant Geely Auto, has strategically entered the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market, aiming to broaden its consumer base amidst escalating competition in the world’s largest automotive market. This move positions Zeekr as the latest major Chinese EV assembler to embrace hybrid technology, leaving Shanghai-headquartered Nio as the sole domestic pure-EV manufacturer, alongside U.S. titan Tesla, which also produces pure EVs on the mainland.
This diversification reflects a broader industry trend in China, where carmakers are increasingly adopting varied product portfolios to compete effectively against established pure-EV players. "Nearly all Chinese carmakers have a diverse product portfolio to compete against Tesla now," stated Gao Shen, an independent analyst based in Shanghai. He further elaborated that "Plug-in cars target some customers who are either budget conscious or nervous about electric cars’ range," highlighting the strategic rationale behind Zeekr's pivot.
Zeekr's inaugural hybrid model, the 9X, will integrate the Freevoy Super Hybrid battery system supplied by Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), a leading global battery manufacturer. This configuration is designed to provide the SUV with a substantial electric-only range of 380 kilometers. While typical hybrid vehicles utilize their battery for shorter distances, generally between 100km to 200km before switching to internal combustion, the 9X's extended electric range aims to mitigate range anxiety, a significant barrier for many potential EV adopters.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Zeekr emphasized that its new hybrid technology "sets new standards for long-range plug-in hybrid [cars], including best-in-class charging speeds, acceleration and vibration control for both highway cruising and urban experiences." This focus on enhanced performance and user experience is critical for attracting consumers in a highly competitive market segment. The introduction of the 9X underscores Zeekr's intent to capture a larger share of the burgeoning electrified vehicle market by offering a compelling alternative that bridges the gap between traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and pure battery electric vehicles.