ZEEKR 001 and 009 first drives: Quality EVs offering proof this automaker is just getting started
After over two years of consistent coverage of Geely’s young, all-electric ZEEKR brand, I finally got the opportunity to see its first two EV models up close and take them both for a spin. As a bonus, ZEEKR also had its purpose-built EV designed for Waymo on display before first deliveries to the robotaxi startup begin.
Since its inception announcement from parent company Geely back in March of 2021, EV brand ZEEKR has held a mainstay on Electrek’s homepage for a number of reasons. For one, with a powerhouse like Geely in its corner, the company has scaled up and done so quickly, producing over 10,000 units of its flagship 001 shooting brake in a mere four months.
It only took ZEEKR 520 days to deliver 100,000 cars, a number that had already surpassed 120,000 as of June 2023. Deliveries should continue to grow as ZEEKR has now introduced a third model called the X, as well as a quad-motor performance variant of the shooting brake called the 001 FR.
Newly appointed CEO of ZEEKR Technology Europe, Giovanni Lanfranchi, joined us at the Monticello Motor Club in New York and talked us through the company’s fast-paced strategy explaining, “ZEEKR is moving faster than a very fast China.”
With two EVs already on the cusp of beginning sales in Europe and plans to expand to 70% of the continent’s markets by 2025, followed by the Middle East, ZEEKR is certainly moving fast. Its EV models are fast too, as I got to take the 001 and 009 out on the track and experience the Chinese automaker’s tech up close for the very first time. Here’s an up-close look at the 001 shooting brake inside and out.
Taking a spin in ZEEKR’s first two EV models
My first ride was in the ZEEKR 001 EV, which in my opinion, is even more sleek in person. As a shooting brake, the 001 offers a much more streamlined profile and simply looks faster than a sedan… and it probably is.
The dual motor Performance AWD version I drove goes 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.8 seconds, has continuous damper control (CDC) and delivers 544 hp (400 kW). Pretty impressive considering the EV weighs 2.4 tons. I’ll tell you what – when you’re hitting hairpin turns and accelerating through straightaways, the 001 feels a lot lighter.
It was a joy to ride and only makes me want to experience the 001 FR even more. That will take some time as production just began, but that will happen eventually. Trust me.
Once my adrenaline briefly settled, it was onto the 009 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). In the states, we simply call it a minivan, but there is nothing mini about this vehicle. The team told us the internet in China has actually dubbed it the “ZEEKR Tank.”
My first impression of the second EV model from ZEEKR was how low it sits, how large its side door is, and how luxurious it looks inside. As you can see from the images above, the rear seats offer some serious incline… just as long as no one large is in the third row, because it looked pretty tight back there.
My first ride was as a passenger, and although it was comfortable, the large leather seats left room to shift around. Granted, most passengers won’t be experiencing a hot lap in the 009, so they should remain relatively still, but even the front seat left room for some shifting at high speeds.
Upon driving the 009 myself, it’s clear that this is a whole new beast altogether. Even at 2.8 tons, the 009 can accelerate 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, but it honestly feels a lot faster than that. Turns weren’t as tight as the 001, which made for a more “thrilling” experience, but after driving and riding in the 009, I’d like to see more of these EVs in the states because they might plow right through the “soccer mom” family car stigma minivans usually have.
The 009 is not only luxurious and comfortable, but its powerful, safe, and loaded with advanced technology. It will be interesting to see how it continues to fare in China’s MPV market and whether it makes it way over to other countries. I personally could see it as an excellent replacement for the Tahoe or Escalade as a livery vehicle.
ZEEKR also showed off its robotaxi built for Waymo
Last but not least during my East Coast visit, ZEEKR surprised us with an up-close look at its purpose-built EV that will soon make its way to Waymo, following an agreement signed back in late 2021.
Although the EV on display was a non-driving prototype, it was cool to get a glimpse of some of the technology and design cues ZEEKR is bringing to the table here. The EV is a bespoke model that will soon be shipped to Waymo, who will add its own technology to enable autonomous robotaxi rides. Essentially, ZEEKR could sell the EV to other commercial operators for different uses, this specific design however, was developed alongside Waymo.
According to ZEEKR, the prototype EVs are being built in China as we speak and will be sent to Waymo shortly. The robotaxi network plans to deploy the purpose-built EVs in five US cities to begin, including San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin, but there is no clear timeframe on when that will happen.
The version seen above does not include a steering wheel, but the first EVs you may see on city streets will likely have them for regulatory reasons. ZEEKR said that if regulations require the steering wheel, it can add it as necessary.
While experiencing the EVs at speeds well over 100 mph was a huge perk, my first experience with ZEEKR was much more than that. The quality, technology, and plans for expansion are grounds for excitement for this young company. Its growth in a short time and its current valuation of $13 billion is cause for optimism and its support from Geely should only harden that sentiment.
There’s a lot in the works across ZEEKR’s design center in Sweden and production hub in China. Trust that I’ll stay on this beat to keep you in the loop. Hopefully I can get behind the wheel of the aforementioned X and 001 FR EVs next and report back. Stay tuned.
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Believe it or not, you can lease an EV for under $200 a month. New deals on models like the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 are hard to pass up this month.
Electric vehicles have been all over the news lately, with the Trump administration threatening to end federal incentives and introducing new tariffs that are expected to lead to higher prices.
On the positive side, new EV models are arriving, giving buyers more options and driving prices down. Many automakers reported record US electric car sales in the first three months of 2024.
GM remained the number two seller of EVs behind Tesla after sales doubled in Q1 2025. With the new Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs rolling out, Chevy is now the fastest-growing EV brand in the US. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E is off to its best sales start since launching, with over 11,600 models sold in the first quarter.
With the 2025 models rolling out and about 15 new EVs arriving this year, many automakers are introducing steep discounts to move vehicles off the lot.
EVs for lease for under $200 a month in April
Although the decade-old Nissan LEAF remains one of the most affordable this April at just $149 per month, there are a few EVs under $200 right now that are worth taking a look at.
The new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ might be the best EV deal this month, with leases as low as $199. Hyundai is currently promoting a 24-month lease deal with $3,999 due at signing.
Hyundai upgraded the electric SUV with a bigger battery for more range (now up to 318 miles), a sleek new look inside and out, and it now comes with an NACS port so you can charge it at Tesla Superchargers.
The offer is for the IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range, which has a driving range of up to 245 miles. For just $229 a month, you can snag the SE RWD model, which has a range of up to 318 miles and a more powerful (225 horsepower) electric motor. It’s also a 24-month lease with $3,999 due at signing.
To sweeten the deal, Hyundai is offering a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV charger with the purchase or lease of any 2024 or 2025 IONIQ 5. If you already have one, you can opt for a $400 public charging credit.
After slashing lease prices this month, the 2025 Nissan Ariya is actually cheaper than the LEAF in some regions. In Southern California, the 2025 Nissan Ariya Evolve AWD is listed at just $129 per month. The AWD model has a range of up to 272 miles.
The deal is for 36 months, with $4,409 due at signing. In April, Nissan cut Ariya lease prices to around $239 in most other parts of the country.
Kia has a few EVs available to lease for under $200 a month in April. The 2025 Kia Niro EV Wind is listed at just $129 for 24 months, with $3,999 due at signing. Kia’s crossover SUV has EPA-estimated range of 253 miles.
The 2024 EV6 may be worth considering at just $179 for 24 months ($3,999 due at signing). In California, the EV6 Light Long Range RWD is only slightly more than the Niro Wind.
In most other parts of the country, you can still find the EV6 for under $200 a month. The Light Long Range RWD trim offers up to 310 miles of EPA-estimated range.
| Lease Price | Term (months) |
Amount Due at Signing | Driving Range | |
| 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range | $199 | 24 | $3,999 | 245 miles |
| 2024 Kia EV6 Light Long Rang RWD | $179 | 24 | $3,999 | 310 miles |
| 2024 Kia Niro EV Wind | $129 | 24 | $3,999 | 253 miles |
| 2025 Nissan Ariya Evolve AWD | $129 | 36 | $4,409 | 272 miles |
| 2025 Nissan LEAF S FWD | $149 | 36 | $2,629 | 149 miles |
| 2024 Fiat 500 INSPI(RED) | $199 | 24 | $2,999 | 149 miles |
And don’t forget the 2024 Fiat 500e, which is now listed at just $199 for 24 months with $2,999 due at signing. The electric hatchback offers a range of up to 149 miles.
If you are looking to spend a little more, check out our list of EVs you can lease for under $300 a month.
Ready to snag the savings while they are still here? At under $200 a month, some of these EV lease deals are hard to pass up right now. Check out our links below to find deals in your area.
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![The US’s first solar panels over canals pilot is now online [video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Project-Nexus-solar-canal.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Project Nexus, the first solar panel canopies over irrigation canals in the US, is now online in California, and there are plans to expand the project to other areas.
Project Nexus is a $20 million pilot in central California’s Turlock Irrigation District launched in October 2022. The project team is exploring solar over canal design, deployment, and co-benefits using canal infrastructure and the electrical grid.
India already has solar panels over canals, but Project Nexus is the first of its kind in the US.
The Turlock Irrigation District was the first irrigation district formed in California in 1887. It provides irrigation water to 4,700 growers who farm around 150,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley.
Project Nexus will explore whether the solar panels reduce water evaporation as a result of midday shade and wind mitigation, create improvements to water quality through reduced vegetative growth, reduce canal maintenance as a result of reduced vegetative growth, and, of course, generate renewable electricity.
The California Department of Water Resources, utility company Turlock Irrigation District, Marin County, California-based water and energy project developer Solar AquaGrid, and The University of California, Merced, are partnering on the pilot. Project Nexus originated from a 2021 research project led by UC Merced alumna and project scientist Brandi McKuin.
Solar panels were installed at two sites over both wide- and narrow-span sections of Turlock Irrigation District canals in Stanislaus County, in various orientations. The sections range from 20 feet wide to 100 feet wide. University of California, Merced has positioned research equipment at both sites to collect baseline data so the researchers can decide where solar will work and where it won’t.
In February 2023, Project Nexus announced it would also deploy long-term iron flow battery storage in the form of two ESS 75kW turnkey “Energy Warehouse” batteries.
You can learn more about Project Nexus here:
Read more: In a US first, California will pilot solar-panel canopies over canals
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