EV brand ZEEKR shared its latest progress update in regard to its latest model – the 001 FR shooting brake. Production is now underway in China as ZEEKR prepares for the 001 FR’s official launch on Friday. Here’s the latest.
It’s been less than three months since Geely-owned ZEEKR began throwing shade at Tesla’s Model S plaid with the debut of its latest EV – the 001 FR – a quad-motor shooting brake performance version of its flagship sedan.
Since then, we’ve learned that Chinese consumers can expect to take advantage of 1,265 bhp, tank turns, and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 2.07 seconds (rolling start) when the EV inevitably begins deliveries.
ZEEKR moved one step closer to that milestone today, announcing the first 001 FR sedans have begun rolling off its assembly lines, just in time for the shooting break’s official launch overseas.
Credit: ZEEKR/Weibo
ZEEKR 001 FR to launch in China on October 27
The Chinese automaker shared the following post on its Weibo page earlier today, showcasing the very first FR version of the 001 surrounded by ZEEKR employees. It also shared a video featuring drone footage inside and out of its assembly facility, showcasing a lineup of ZEEKR 001 FRs being built ahead of the launch. Per ZEEKR:
The first batch of mass production comes off the production line. The ultimate performance is the strongest on the surface. Beijing is locked at 19:30 on October 27th. #001FR launch conference
7:30 p.m. Beijing time translates to 7:30 a.m. EST, so we can expect to learn more about the 001 FR, its specs, and its availability during the launch event Friday morning. Additionally, ZEEKR shared that it has recruited former Finnish Formula One driver Kimi “Iceman” Räikkönen as its performance consultant on the 001 FR. Räikkönen raced from 2001-2021 with a three year in the middle and is the most decorated Finnish F1 driver by a long shot – ZEEKR describes him as “the ‘best driver’ person on earth.”
Per news from the company in September, 001 FR deliveries are expected to begin in China before the end of the October, beginning with a monthly output of 99 units. As we previously reported, ZEEKR has been flirting with the idea of brining its Tesla competitor over to Europe as well, joining the standard 001 sedan and new X SUV.
ZEEKR has yet to confirm if that will in fact happen, but perhaps we learn more on October 27. Stay tuned until then.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Now, we have the delivery numbers for Tesla in all European countries, and the automaker is down 37% on the old continent compared to 2024, which was already a down year for Tesla.
On top of it, Tesla is down in every single country except the UK.
Here are Tesla’s Q1 2025 deliveries in each European country compared to Q1 2024:
Country
Q1 2024
Q1 2025
Change
Germany
13,068
4,935
-62.2%
UK
11,768
12,474
6.0%
France
11,360
6,696
-41.1%
Belgium
7,219
3,019
-58.2%
Netherlands
6,854
3,445
-49.7%
Norway
5,121
3,817
-25.5%
Other
4,420
3,301
-25.3%
Sweden
4,312
1,929
-55.3%
Italy
3,721
3,469
-6.8%
Spain
3,601
3,169
-12.0%
Denmark
3,558
1,549
-56.5%
Switzerland
3,264
1,238
-62.1%
Portugal
2,888
2,145
-25.7%
Austria
2,506
1,304
-48.0%
Poland
1,264
899
-28.9%
Finland
894
475
-46.9%
The drop in sales in Germany was the most devastating for Tesla. It went from being Tesla’s biggest European market to being a distant third.
France also saw a significant 41% decline in sales.
This is also happening while electric vehicle sales are surging, regardless of Tesla’s performance.
Tesla is feeling the pain virtually everywhere in Europe except in the UK, but that’s because Tesla is selling its vehicles for much cheaper there.
In the UK, the Model Y PCP leasing starts at £399, which is the equivalent of €462, when the same vehicle starts €570 in Germany:
Interestingly, that’s not the case for the Model 3, which starts higher in the UK than in Germany.
Electrek’s Take
The reason for that is unclear to me. I’d love to hear theories in the comment section.
Could it be that Tesla planned to produce too many right-hand-drive vehicles and had to lower prices to ensure that it could deliver them?
It’s unclear, but I think the theory has some traction since I just learned that Tesla is also already discounting the new Model Y in Hong Kong – another right-hand-drive market.
Either way, I think it’s clear at this point that Tesla is having significant brand issues in Europe, in addition to increased competition.
Yes, Model Y had some supply issues due to the design changeover, but Model 3 sales are also down 11% compared to Q1 2024, when Tesla was still ramping up production of the Model 3 design refresh.
Tesla shareholders need to wake up. This is a self-inflicted wound that can be remedied by removing Elon Musk.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
That Kia EV sedan we’ve been waiting for is almost here. Kia also confirmed it will launch a midsize pickup in North America. Next week, three new Kia vehicles, including the EV4, its first electric sedan, will debut at the New York International Auto Show. Here’s what to expect.
Kia’s first electric sedan will debut at the NY Auto Show
Back in 2023, the EV4 stole the show as a concept during Kia’s first EV Day. Earlier this year, Kia unveiled the production model, debuting as the brand’s first electric sedan and hatchback.
The electric sedan is among the most highly anticipated EV launches of 2025. Kia’s EV4 will arrive this year as part of its low-cost EV lineup, and it could be a true challenger to the Tesla Model 3.
After opening orders in Korea last month, Kia said the EV4 will “set a new standard for electric sedans,” starting at just 41.92 million won, or about $28,000. It has two battery options, 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh, providing a range of 237 miles (382 km) and 331 miles (533 km) in Korea.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
With its North American debut now officially set for next week, Kia teased the new EV, claiming it will be one of three new vehicles.
The new vehicles include a sedan, an SUV, and “something in between.” Two will be fully electric, while the other offers a “sporty and versatile approach in the compact car segment.”
Kia EV4 electric sedan teaser for North America (Source: Kia)
More EVs are on the way, including an electric pickup
During its CEO Investor Day on Wednesday, Kia confirmed plans to launch a new midsize EV pickup for North America. In the long-term, the company aims to eventually sell 90,000 units for about 7% of the market share.
Kia’s electric pickup will be based on a new EV platform built for city and outdoor use. According to Kia, it will offer “best-in-class interior and cargo space, a robust towing system, off-road capabilities, and advanced infotainment and safety features.”
Kia Tasman pickup truck (Source: Kia)
Following the EV6 and EV9, Kia is expanding its electric car lineup with the new EV3, EV4, and EV5, which will roll out this year. Kia is also launching its first electric van, the PV5, to kick off its new PBV business.
By 2030, the company plans to sell 2.33 million electrified vehicles, accounting for 56% of global sales. This includes 1.26 million EVs and 1.07 million hybrids.
Kia unveils EV4 sedan and hatchback, PV5 electric van, and EV2 Concept at 2025 Kia EV Day (Source: Kia)
As it expands its lineup, Kia expects electrified models to account for 70% of sales in North America, 85% in Europe, and 73% in Korea by the end of the decade.
Kia boasted that it will “lead the mass adoption of EVs by expanding its EV lineup with the addition of another volume model, the EV2,” which is expected to launch in early 2026.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
An oil pumpjack is seen in a field on April 08, 2025 in Nolan, Texas.
Brandon Bell | Getty Images
U.S. crude oil futures fell about 3% on Wednesday, as China announced retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. after President Donald Trump’s sweeping levies took effect.
The U.S. benchmark dropped $1.83, or 3.07%, to $57.75 per barrel by 9:41 a.m. ET. Global benchmark Brent tumbled $1.93, or 3.07%, to $60.89.
The oil sell-off took a leg lower earlier in the session after Beijing announced tariffs of 84% on U.S. goods in response to Trump’s levies. U.S. crude fell more than 7% to an intraday low of $55.12, while Brent tumbled to $58.40 at its lowest point during the session.
China’s tariffs take effect on April 10.
Traders are worried the world is descending into a full-blown trade war that will trigger a recession, hitting crude oil demand. OPEC+, meanwhile, has agreed to accelerate output in May, which will bring more oil to a market that was already facing a surplus.
The collision of recession fears and growing oil supply is a “toxic cocktail,” Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told CNBC on Tuesday.
The U.S. and Iran are scheduled to hold talks in Oman on Saturday to discuss the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. Successful negotiations could result in more Iranian oil entering the global market.