
Zeekr, Geely's premium electric vehicle brand, has finally announced its entry into the German market after nearly a two-year delay. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the brand, which is now accepting orders for the Zeekr X, Zeekr 7X, and Zeekr 001 models, with the first deliveries expected in January 2025. This news is particularly relevant for the Portuguese market, as Zeekr's entry into Europe could influence the availability and competitiveness of EVs in the region.
Zeekr is launching three distinct models:
In Portugal, when adding a 23% VAT and estimated import costs, the prices would approximately be:
Zeekr has opted for a direct distribution model, bypassing traditional dealerships. This digitally-oriented method allows a more direct connection with the customer, offering customization and support through personal contact, which can be a significant differentiator for Portuguese buyers.
In Germany, Zeekr is carving out a space in a market dominated by brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen. The brand has already begun operations in countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the growing electric car market in Europe.
In comparison, in the Portuguese market, Zeekr may face competition from models like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Mercedes EQA, both of which are more expensive when compared to Zeekr's models.
Initially, Zeekr will have 40 service centers in Germany, with plans to expand to 100 locations by the second quarter of 2026. These centers will be crucial for maintenance, repairs, and parts distribution, as well as offering test drives, which is vital for consumer confidence in new markets.
Zeekr's models are designed for European usage profiles, offering features such as:
The Zeekr 7X, for example, offers ultra-fast charging from 10 to 80% in just 13 minutes, thanks to its 800V architecture, outpacing competitors like the Mercedes EQA.
Zeekr offers aggressive warranties: an 8-year or 200,000 km coverage for the battery and a '5+5-year' vehicle warranty, which extends to 10 years if servicing is performed within the Zeekr network.
For Portuguese buyers, Zeekr's entry into Germany is a development to watch closely. With competitive pricing and high-quality specifications, Zeekr could offer a viable and attractive alternative to the established electric models in the European market. Zeekr's success in Germany could pave the way for its future entry into Portugal, providing consumers with more options and potentially driving EV adoption in the country.
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