Chinese EV maker Zeekr officially unveiled its new “X” electric SUV in China Wednesday. With up to 348 miles range and a surprisingly low starting price of around $28,000 (189,800 yuan), the Zeekr X is set to take on a surging Tesla, among other luxury automakers, in China before it launches in Europe.
Zeekr, a Geely-owned premium EV maker established in 2021, has been building its brand in China’s aggressive electric vehicle market.
Since the launch of the Zeekr 001 sedan, its first luxury EV model, the company has expanded dramatically, adding the Zeekr 009 premium multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) to its zero-emission lineup earlier this year.
Zeekr doubled EV sales last year due to strong demand for its electric sedan. Meanwhile, the Chinese EV maker said it would add two new electric models as well as expand into Europe.
The automakers’ third EV was initially believed to be called the Zeekr 003. However, new images teasing the all-electric SUV posted on social media confirmed it would, in fact, be called the “Zeekr X.”
Zeekr said at the time that its new SUV “transcends the limitations of all previous models named after 3, where X stands for infinite exploration, endless imagination, and endless transcendence.” Sounds a lot like Tesla.
The new Zeekr X electric SUV officially launched today in China. And from the looks of it, it could compete with Tesla and the luxury German automakers in China and Europe.
Zeekr X electric SUV (Source: Geely)
Zeekr X SUV launched in China to compete against Tesla
Zeekr released the new electric SUV today, sharing the full specs and a video on its Weibo social media page.
The new Zeekr X will start at 189,800 yuan (roughly $27,600) in China, with advanced features generally found in premium cars. Chief executive Any An told Reuters that the X will offer features like facial recognition and an optional in-vehicle refrigerator.
According to the release, the Zeekr X will be powered by two e-motors and a 66 kWh battery, delivering up to 422 hp (315 kW) and 400 lb-ft (543 Nm) of torque.
Three different trims appear to be offered, with the lower-priced (189,800 yuan) five-seat rear-drive “me version” delivering a CLTC range of 560 km (nearly 348 miles), utilizing an aerodynamic design.
In comparison to the Zeekr X, the Tesla Model Y base model starts at around 261,900 yuan (roughly $38,000) after slightly raising the price earlier this year and has a range of 545 km (338 miles).
Zeekr says it will start delivering the new electric SUV in June in China as it aims to deliver 40,000 units this year. It will be followed by Europe and “Asian markets outside of China,” though no specific details were provided.
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Genesis is preparing to shake things up with its most luxurious SUV yet, the GV90. Thanks to a new patent filing, we are getting a detailed look at how its Rolls-Royce-style coach doors will work.
New patent reveals Genesis GV90 coach door system
When Genesis first unveiled the full-size SUV at the NY Auto Show last March, it wasn’t the stunning design or advanced tech that caught everyone’s attention. It was the coach doors.
Although we were worried it wouldn’t make it to the production model, like many concepts, the Genesis GV90 will be offered with coach doors.
The ultra-luxe electric SUV was first caught with coach doors earlier this year on a car carrier in South Korea. Just last month, the GV90 was spotted in California with a hinge at the rear to open the coach doors.
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After several new patents were filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for new door latching devices, we are getting a sneak peek at how they are expected to work.
The patents, titled “Cinching Device For Door Latches in Vehicle,” and “Door Latch Device for Vehicles,” give a pretty detailed explanation of how the Genesis GV90’s coach doors will operate. The “Door Latch Device” uses a door striker on the lower side of the door, which is opened or closed by a hinge unit.
Unlike traditional doors, which use the B-pillar for support, the device is attached directly to the door itself, allowing for hinge-like movement.
The cinching device works in a similar way. It’s also attached to the door and part of the vehicle. However, unlike most of its kind, Genesis found a way to use a single cinching device to control multiple units. Again, the device is used for B-pillarless doors that swing open.
Genesis already said that B-pillarless coach doors are now feasible in production vehicles. The patent reveals a glimpse into how the luxury automaker could make it a reality.
Genesis Neolun ultra-luxury electric SUV concept (Source: Genesis)
Although the Genesis GV90 is expected to be offered with coach doors, they will likely not be standard. Other variants, with traditional door handles, have also been spotted testing in the US and South Korea.
Genesis is expected to launch the GV90 in mid-2026. It will be built at Hyundai’s Ulsan plant in South Korea. The flagship Genesis SUV is scheduled to debut on Hyundai’s new eM platform, which the company said will “provide 50% improvement in driving range.” It will also be loaded with the latest technology, software, connectivity, and Level 3 or higher autonomous driving capabilities.
In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss the launch of the Tesla Model YL, more Tesla probes and lawsuits, new Nissan Leaf pricing, and more.
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The new electric Mercedes CLA (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
July EV sales looked strong on the surface, but the looming impact of tariffs and the end of EV tax credits reveal a more complicated picture, according to Cars.com’s new Industry Insights report.
New-vehicle sales jumped 6.6% year-over-year, even as dealer inventory fell for the first time since 2022. Much of the spike came from a “buy now” mindset as shoppers raced to lock in deals before tariffs and policy changes drive prices higher. For EVs in particular, the looming end of the federal $7,500 tax credit on September 30 added another layer of urgency.
EV inventory growth is slowing – for now
Shoppers technically have more EV options than ever, with 75 models on the market – a 27% jump from last year. But new EV inventory growth has slowed to just 9% year-over-year, the lowest since before the Inflation Reduction Act revived federal incentives. Analysts expect another wave of buying before the tax credit vanishes, but after that, higher prices could cool demand, especially with most new EVs still priced in the premium-to-luxury bracket.
Tariffs set to push prices higher
Automakers absorbed an estimated $12 billion in tariff costs in the second quarter alone to keep sticker prices steady. That’s not sustainable, and once those costs flow into 2026 models, EV buyers could be facing thousands more on the same car.
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At current 25% tariff levels, the average new-vehicle price could jump from $48,000 to $54,400 – about $6,400 more. Even if trade deals trim tariffs to 15%, buyers would still see increases of more than $4,000. That’s a huge gap compared to household incomes, which grew only 1% last year.
The used EV market is heating up
While new EV prices are bracing for impact, the used EV market is gaining momentum. Inventory is up 33% year-over-year, while average prices dipped 2% to $36,000. Affordable used EVs under $25,000 – including the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Chevy Bolt EV – are selling 20% faster than average. Many also qualify for the $4,000 used-EV tax credit, which, like the new EV credit, ends September 30.
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