Even if everyone is not really asking for an EV minivan with an over 500-mile range and over 500 hp, Zeekr makes it anyway. Zeekr is the sister company to Volvo, Lotus, Polestar, and Smart, part of the Geely electric brand of vehicles. It currently makes the sporty Zeekr 001, which the 009 minivan shares its EV platform with.

How does the Zeekr minivan get this power and performance?

We hate calling this a minivan, especially since its performance is nothing like that of a minivan. Featuring two electric motors, it cranks out 528 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque and all-wheel drive. Power is generated from either a 116 kWh or 140 kWh battery. 

With the larger battery, the range bumps up to 511 miles. But even opting for the smaller one, you’ll still see a range of 436 miles, which isn’t bad at all. It features the first Qilin lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries in a production vehicle. They’re from battery manufacturer CATL. 

How is the Zeekr minivan cabin and ride?

Besides the power and range, the 009 features an air suspension system. It uses an electromagnetic system to help reduce vibrations. The suspension also offers self-leveling. With only a 0.27 drag coefficient, drag and noise are greatly reduced. That’s a low number for as boxy as the 009 appears. 

For the cabin, Nappa leather, aviation-like seats, second-row adjustable tables, and more room in the third row scream comfort and convenience. The 009 can seat six, with an executive model featuring four seats. We expect it to satisfy certain limousine needs. 

While numerous automakers have stuck with the ever-narrowing minivan market, we’ve not seen anything with this much power and luxury. Is there a market in the U.S. for fast luxury minivans? Do the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator satisfy the market for the executive and luxury needs? They may, but they’re not an EV.

Why isn’t the Zeekr 009 minivan sold in the U.S?

And maybe the bigger question is when will the rest of Geely’s models start making inroads in the U.S. Some think it is the most Western-leaning car maker in China. It already manufactures the Volvo which, as you know, is already here. So it has built-in models for a U.S. conquest. 

Though an expensive pursuit, we would love to see models like Zeekr’s 001 and 009 make some headway into the U.S. Competition always breeds industry improvements. While most manufacturers are chasing after Tesla, adding lines of vehicles that offer as much or more than American counterparts for a lot less money would alter the automotive market here.

Is the Zeekr 009 only sold in China?

While Japanese efforts in the 1950s and South Korean launches in the 1980s brought valuable, but expensive adjustments for quality, models, service, and options, You see where they are today. We think that Chinese companies like Geely already have Western-ready vehicles they could launch here. 

Some have made headway into countries like Australia and throughout South and Central America including Brazil and Mexico. And in 2023 it’s headed to Europe according to Reuters. America is next.