ZEEKR’s 001 FR will have quad-motors, CATL Qilin batteries, and 1,265 bhp… oh, and tank turns
Less than a month after teasing a new high-performance version of its flagship 001 EV, ZEEKR has shared some of its upcoming specs – and they’re impressive. After straight up calling Tesla’s Model S Plaid “dull,” the Chinese automaker is “saying sorry to other performance brands,” because the ZEEKR 001 FR is packin’ some heat.
These are some more bold words from an automotive company that was founded as recently as March of 2021 and has introduced three all-electric bespoke models since. That began in October of 2021 when the 001 sedan began off its assembly lines in China.
With 001s now on their Europe, ZEEKR is not only expanding its lineup, but its global footprint. Next, however, the company appears to be attempting to turn some heads on the racetrack. In August, ZEEKR sent out a cheeky Tweet introducing a high-performance version of the 001 called the FR – its first luxury sports car.
While throwing shade at Tesla, ZEEKR described the 001 FR as “a new kind of beast,” but not much else. By calling out Plaid specifically, we surmised ZEEKR had some serious performance. You know, since that version of the Model S remains one of the fastest production EVs on Earth.
Today we have our answer – Quad-motors baby.
ZEEKR 001 FR is not only fast, but production ready
According to a press release from ZEEKR today, the 001 FR feature four silicon-carbine motors – double the powertrain of the boring old 001 we were talking about. The automaker says the quad-motors combine for a distributed e-drive design supported by in-house software and hardware technologies, utilizing torque vectoring to adjust each wheel in milliseconds.
Oh, and it can do tank turns.
Those motors combine for a staggering 1,265 brake horsepower (bhp) and can propel the electric sports car from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.07 seconds (rolling start). That’s fast, but what might be faster is the ZEEKR 001 FR’s charging capabilities thanks to a 100 kWh pack powered by CATL’s next-generation Qilin batteries.
ZEEKR states the upcoming EV can charge from 10-80% in a mere 15 minutes – that’s one of the company’s incoming V3 fast charging piles that offer a maximum output of 800kW (1000V, 800A). By 2024, ZEEKR says it plans to expand its fast charger network to 1,000 stations.
Long before then, however, we should be seeing the 001 FR starting rolling out as ZEEKR also revealed deliveries are scheduled to begin in October. Everything about this car is fast. To keep others safe, ZEEKR said it will give each customers personalized training sessions so they can handle the performance of the new EV.
When deliveries begin, ZEEKR is planning to produce 99 001 FRs per month thereafter. ZEEKR still has officially shared pricing yet, but as we reported during the original announcement, a source shared ZEEKR is asking over RMB 1 million ($138,700). We will have to wait and see.
Looking forward to getting behind the wheel of this one (with proper training of course). Check it out!
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The Stripe logo on a smartphone with U.S. dollar banknotes in the background.
Budrul Chukrut | SOPA Images | LightRocket via Getty Images
Stripe cut 300 jobs, representing about 3.5% of its workforce, mostly in product, engineering and operations, CNBC has confirmed.
The payments company, valued at about $70 billion in the private markets, still expects to increase headcount by 10,000 by the end of the year, which would be a 17% increase, and is “not slowing down hiring,” according to a memo to staff from Chief People Office Rob McIntosh. Business Insider reported earlier on the cuts and the memo.
A Stripe spokesperson also confirmed to CNBC that a cartoon image of a duck with text that read, “US-Non-California Duck,” was accidentally attached as a PDF to emails sent to some of the employees who were laid off. Some of the emails mistakenly provided affected employees with an incorrect termination date, the spokesperson said.
McIntosh sent a follow-up email to staffers apologizing for the “notification error” and “any confusion it caused.”
“Corrected and full notifications have since been sent to all impacted Stripes,” he wrote.
In 2022, Stripe cut roughly 1,100 jobs, or 14% of its workers, downsizing alongside most of the tech industry, as soaring inflation and rising interest rates forced companies to focus on profits over growth. The Information reported that Stripe had a few dozen layoffs in its recruiting department in 2023.
Stripe’s valuation sank from a peak of $95 billion in 2021 to $50 billion in 2023, before reportedly rebounding to $70 billion last year as part of a secondary share sale. The company ranked third on last year’s CNBC Disruptor 50 list.
In October, Stripe agreed to pay $1.1 billion for crypto startup Bridge Network, whose technology is focused on making it easy for businesses to transact using digital currencies.
Brothers Patrick and John Collison, who founded Stripe in 2010, have intentionally steered clear of the public markets and have given no indication that an offering is on the near-term horizon. Total payment volume at the company surpassed $1 trillion in 2023.
WATCH: Early Bridge investor weighs in on $1.1 billion Stripe deal
Thinking about upgrading your EV? Rivian (RIVN) launched a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1S or R1T. Here’s how you can snag some savings.
Rivian R1S and R1T upgrade deal offers up to $6,000
Rivian delivered over 51,500 vehicles last year as the EV maker gains momentum. Although it was only slightly higher than the ~50,100 delivered in 2023, Rivian is expected to see even more growth this year.
After shutting down its Normal, IL manufacturing plant last April and renegotiating supplier contracts, Rivian has seen “significant cost improvements,” according to CEO RJ Scaringe.
Rivian also began delivering its next-gen R1S and R1T models last year. The new Large and Max battery packs have redesigned modules and more efficient packaging, “making them easier to manufacture and service.” For example, Rivian’s new EVs use seven ECUs, down from 17 in the first-generation R1T and R1S.
With new plant upgrades, reworked supplier contracts, and more efficient vehicles, Rivian is now passing the savings on to customers.
Rivian introduced a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1T or R1S. The bonus amount varies by trim:
- Tri with Max battery: $6,000 USD / CAD 8,600
- Dual with Max battery and Performance upgrade: $4,500 USD / CAD 6,500
- Dual with Max battery: $3,000 USD / CAD 4,300
The offer is for current R1T or R1S owners or lessees in the US and Canada. Rivian launched the new promo on January 21, and it runs through March 31, 2025.
After you purchase or lease a qualifying vehicle, Rivian will apply a discount toward the MSRP. You must take delivery by March 31, 2025. In the fine print, Rivian stated, “You must request a trade-in estimate to qualify for this offer, but trade-in of a vehicle is not required.”
Any other models are excluded from the offer. These include Dual Standard configurations, Dual with Large battery configurations, custom builds, demo vehicles, and pre-owned vehicles.
The new offer follows Rivian’s previous upgrade promo introduced last October, giving qualifying gas-powered vehicle owners or lessees up to $3,000.
Check out the Rivian R1 Shop to view eligible models. You can see eligible Rivian R1S here and R1T models here.
Electrek’s Take
Rivian’s R1S was already the tenth best-selling electric vehicle in the US last year, with nearly 27,000 models sold. With more driving range and power at a lower cost, the electric SUV could see even more demand in 2025.
Then again, with the arrival of new luxury electric SUVs, like the Jeep Wagoneer S and Volvo EX90, Rivian will face more competition in the US.
Rivian’s latest promo comes as the Company looks to carry the momentum from the end of 2024 into the new year. The EV maker is offering other deals, including 1.99% APR for 60 months on the R1 Dual with a Max Battery and Performance upgrade.
Even if you are not eligible for the promo, we can still help you find deals on Rivian’s electric SUV in your area. You can use our links below to view offers on the Rivian R1S and R1T near you today.
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