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40 days after officially unveiling its fourth EV model and first-ever sedan, ZEEKR has officially launched the 007 with some noteworthy in-house technology. Starting at a price below $30,000, consumers in China have been lining up their 007 pre-orders… over 50,000 to be specific.

If you haven’t heard of ZEEKR by now, they may be on your radar sooner rather than later, as the Geely-owned EV automaker continues to expand its global reach beyond China and into Europe. The company currently offers its flagship 001 shooting brake, a high-performance variant called the 001 FR, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) called the 009, and most recently, an SUV called the ZEEKR X.

We’ve driven the 001 and 009 and were quite impressed out of the gate, but it’s arguably ZEEKR’s early success and future ambitions that have garnered the most excitement about the relatively young brand.

Until recently, ZEEKR’s models have been targeted for niche segments in the EV market. However, in early November 2023, the automaker began teasing a new EV called the 007 – its first-ever sedan and its first model designed for the mass market.

Two weeks later, ZEEKR opened 007 pre-orders in China. At the same time, it simultaneously filed for a US IPO and began teasing a tech day where it would unveil its own in-house battery technology – debuting in what else but the 007 sedan.

Today, ZEEKR has officially launched the 007 sedan in China before it expands to other global markets, and from what we’ve learned – it has the makings to be a hit. Check it out.

  • ZEEKR battery
  • ZEEKR 007

ZEEKR launches Long Range 007 with 870km range

According to news out of ZEEKR today, the 007 has officially launched in China and will be delivered to the 51,569 customers who have already placed pre-orders and go through with their purchases. In addition to being ZEEKR’s first mass-market EV, the 007 sedan features several other firsts for the brand.

For instance, it is the first model to adopt an integrated mega-casting rear-end aluminum body with a torsional stiffness of 43,500 N·m/deg. The sedan is also the first to feature ZEEKR’s new in-house developed audio system and ADAS consisting of one LiDAR sensor, 12 HD cameras, and five millimeter-wave radars.

As we reported in December, the 007’s 800V platform also features the debut of ZEEKR’s new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells and battery packs – capable of replenishing 500km (311 miles) of range in 15 minutes on a DC fast charger. Today, ZEEKR shared the Standard Range version featuring this battery technology offers 688km (428 miles) of CLTC range on a single charge.

For those looking for more range, ZEEKR will offer a long-range variant of the new sedan that features Qilin batteries from CATL. That model promises a whopping 870km (540 miles) of CLTC range. ZEEKR also shared the 007 can accelerate 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.84 seconds.

ZEEKR has shared that the Standard Range version will start at a price below $30,000 and will be one of five different trim options. This includes two single-motor versions and three dual-motor, AWD versions. They are priced as follows:

  • Single-Motor
    • RMB 209,900 ($29,475)
    • RMB 229,900 ($32,425)
  • Dual-Motor
    • RMB 229,900 ($32,425)
    • RMB 259,900 ($36,655)
    • RMB 299,900 ($42,300)

Deliveries in China are expected to begin on January 1, 2024.

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Gavin Newsom isn’t afraid of Elon, 650 hp Kia EV6, and Green Machine deals

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Gavin Newsom isn't afraid of Elon, 650 hp Kia EV6, and Green Machine deals

On today’s fact-checking episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got a showdown brewing between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, an updated 650 hp Kia EV6 GT that’s ready to take on the world, and some sweet deals on battery-powered goodies.

We’ve also got new electric buses at UCLA that are powered by inductive current in the road itself, and a massive new solar project on a site more famous for coal than clean. All this and a little bit of fact-checking on some fresh musky nonsense – enjoy!

Today’s episode is sponsored by BLUETTI, a leading provider of portable power stations, solar generators, and energy storage systems. For a limited time, save up to 52% during BLUETTI’s exclusive Black Friday sale, now through November 28, and be sure to use promo code BLUETTI5OFF for 5% off all power stations site wide. Learn more at this link.

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (and sometimes Sunday). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Read more: E-quipment highlight | Palfinger FLS 25 eDRIVE truck mounted forklift.

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Dodge Charger EV is even cheaper to finance than the gas model with 0% APR [Update]

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Dodge Charger EV is even cheaper to finance than the gas model with 0% APR [Update]

The world’s first electric muscle car is finally here, and Dodge is already sweetening the deal for buyers. The Dodge Charger Daytona EV is launching with 0% APR, making it even cheaper to finance than the outgoing gas-powered model. Lease prices for the electric Charger start as low as $549 per month, but the Hellcat-like Scat Pack model may be an even better deal.

Dodge Charger EV launches with 0% APR offer

The first all-electric Dodge Charger has arrived, and surprisingly, it’s already becoming more affordable. In March, Dodge unveiled the Charger Daytona EV, kicking off “the next generation of Dodge muscle.”

According to Dodge brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, the electric Charger “delivers Hellcat Redeye levels of performance.” That’s for the Scat Pack model, which comes with a Direct Connection Stage 2 upgrade kit straight from the factory.

The upgrade delivers up to 670 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.3 seconds. It can also cover a quarter mile in around 11.5 seconds.

In comparison, the 807 hp Dodge Charger SRT Redeye Jailbreak edition, powered by a Supercharged 6.2L HEMI SRT V8 engine, takes 3.6 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph.

Dodge-Charger-EV-APR
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack (Source: Stellantis)

With a Stage 1 upgrade, the base R/T trim has up to 456 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0 to 60 mph time in 4.7 seconds.

Dodge opened orders for the 2024 Charger Daytona EV in September, starting at $59,995. The High-performance Scat Pack trim starts at $73,190.

Dodge-Charger-EV-APR
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack (Source: Stellantis)

According to a new dealer note viewed by online auto research firm CarsDirect, all 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV models are now eligible for 0% APR financing for up to 72 months.

2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV trim Horsepower 0 to 60 mph time Starting price
Dodge Charger Daytona R/T 496 hp 4.7 seconds $59,995
Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack 670 hp 3.3 seconds $73,190
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona prices and specs (excluding a $1,995 destination fee)

The offer makes the electric Dodge charger even cheaper to finance than the outgoing 2023 Dodge Charger at 5.9% APR for the same 72 months. However, this is an individual offer and cannot be combined with other deals. Based on CarsDirect analysis, the 0% APR offer is limited to the Northeast, Southern, and Central US regions.

Dodge is also offering a $1,000 loyalty bonus for Stellantis (Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chrysler) lessees that trade in for the electric Charger.

Dodge-Charger-EV-interior
The interior of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV (Source: Stellantis)

Update 11/26/24: The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV launches with lease prices starting at $549 for 36 months. With $4,999 due at signing, the effective rate is $688 per month (10,000 miles per year).

Although it may not seem cheap, it’s a pretty good deal for a $60,000 electric muscle car. According to CarsDirect analysis, the outgoing Challenger R/T has an effective cost of at least $853 per month. And that’s with an MSRP of just $43,235. The EV model is nearly $20,000 more on paper but significantly less to lease than the aging 2023 model.

Dodge-Charger-EV-lease-prices
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack (Source: Stellantis)

Meanwhile, the Scat Pack model may be an even better deal. With a lease money factor as low as 0.00006 on a 24-month lease, the Scat Pack trim is surprisingly lower than the lease rate of 0.00027 for the base R/T model.

It also has a higher residual value. On a 24-month lease, the Scat Pack trim has a 59% residual compared to the R/T’s 54%. With both trims eligible for a $7,500 lease incentive, the high-performance model could be an even better deal.

With the $7,500 EV tax credit incentive, eligible customers can save up to $8,500 on the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV. You may want to act fast, as these deals expire on December 2, 2024.

Jeep, another Stellantis brand, launched lease prices at just $599 per month for its first luxury electric SUV last week, the Wagoneer S. Jeep’s electric Wagoneer is also available with 0% financing.

Ready to check out the world’s first electric muscle car for yourself? We can help you get started today. You use our link to find deals on 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona models at a dealer near you.

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Renewables powered 24% of US electricity in first 3 quarters of 2024

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Renewables powered 24% of US electricity in first 3 quarters of 2024

During the first three quarters of 2024, renewables increased their output by almost 9% year-over-year, and solar is still leading the charge, reports the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Solar’s massive growth

According to the EIA’s “Electric Power Monthly” report, which includes data through September 2024, solar power generation (including both utility-scale and rooftop installations) shot up by 25.9% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

Utility-scale solar grew even faster – up 30.1% – while small-scale solar (mostly rooftop) increased by 16.2%. Combined, solar contributed more than 7% of the total electricity generated in the US so far this year.

Zooming in on September, utility-scale solar generation grew by a whopping 29% compared to September 2023, and rooftop solar climbed by 14.2%. Combined, solar generated 7.5% of the nation’s electricity that month.

Small-scale solar made up nearly 30% of all solar generation from January to September and provided 2% of the country’s electricity. Interestingly, small-scale solar is now producing almost double the electricity of utility-scale biomass, and over five times that of either geothermal or petroleum-based power.

Wind and renewables mix

Wind power also saw strong growth so far this year. From January to September, wind output was up 6.6% compared to last year. Wind still holds the top spot among renewables, making up 9.9% of US electricity generation in the first nine months of 2024.

The combined contribution of wind and solar provided 17% of the US’s electricity for the first three-quarters of 2024. Altogether, renewables – including wind, solar, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal – supplied 24% of US electricity in that period, compared to 22.8% during the same time last year.

The numbers show that renewables are growing much faster than traditional energy sources. For example, in the first nine months of 2024, renewables grew by 8.6%, which is more than double the growth rate of natural gas (4.1%) and almost seven times that of nuclear (1.3%). Even in September alone, renewable power generation was up 7.9% compared to September 2023, making up 21.3% of total electricity generation that month.

From January to September, wind generated 76.4% more electricity than hydropower, and solar surpassed hydropower by 27.2%. In September alone, wind and solar produced 73.5% and 65.9% more electricity, respectively, than hydropower, due to drought conditions, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

For the first nine months of 2024, wind and solar together produced 14.5% more electricity than coal and came close to catching up with nuclear power’s share of electricity generation (17% compared to nuclear’s 17.6%). This growth has solidified renewables’ place as the second-largest source of electricity generation in the US, behind natural gas.

Ken Bossong, executive director of the SUN DAY Campaign, which reviewed the EIA’s data, put it simply: “Renewable energy sources now account for a quarter of the nation’s electricity. Any attempt by the incoming Trump Administration to undermine renewables would have serious negative impacts on both the country’s electricity supply and the economy.”

Read more: US solar and wind growth defies expectations – a decade in numbers


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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

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