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Following leaked images that were later confirmed by ZEEKR to be its upcoming third EV model, the Chinese automaker has relayed that the new SUV will be called the ZEEKR X, not the ZEEKR 003 as originally speculated. The company also shared first official images of the EV today, ahead of its full debut expected in April. Have a look.

As an EV automaker founded in 2021, ZEEKR has found early success in China and has even bigger goals for 2023, according to an internal letter recently send out by company CEO Andy An. Earlier this week, we outlined An’s five tasks for ZEEKR this year which include a doubling of EV sales, and a successful expansion into European markets.

Another key task ZEEKR looks to accomplish in 2023 is the launch of two additional all-electric models. The automaker kicked off its first sales in China with the ZEEKR 001 sedan, which was followed by the 009 MPV which officially kicked off production in Ningbo, Zhejiang last month.

CnEVPost was able to obtain images of a camouflaged EV codenamed BX1E, leading the outlet to speculate that this was ZEEKR’s third model and that it would be called the 003. Senior vice president of ZEEKR’s parent company Geely, Yang Xueliang, took to Weibo shortly thereafter to confirm the images were in fact ZEEKR’s third model, but that it will not necessarily be named the 003.

Today, ZEEKR has followed up again on social media, sharing images of its new EV without camo, expressing that the SUV will in fact not be called the 003, but the ZEEKR X.

  • ZEEKR X
  • ZEEKR X

ZEEKR teases X SUV ahead of official debut in Shanghai

Although it teased the new SUV in a poster emphasizing the number 3 on Weibo earlier this week, ZEEKR has confirmed it will be actually called the X instead. The Weibo post explains that many classic models have been named after the number 3, but ZEEKR will not continue that trend.

The automaker explained that its new SUV model “transcends the limitations of all previous classic models named after 3, where X stands for infinite exploration, endless imagination, and endless transcendence.” Can you think of another popular EV model in China that’s called the 3? It’s on the tip of my tongue.

ZEEKR hasn’t shared many details of the X SUV yet, other than it is expected to accelerate 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under four seconds. Additionally, its dimensions are 4,450 mm long, 1,836 mm wide, and 1,572 mm high with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. By comparison, the ZEEKR X will be shorter, narrower, and slightly taller than the 001 sedan, along with a shorter wheelbase.

This is interesting considering it’s an SUV, so it definitely appears to be more of a compact, especially when you look at the original camouflaged images. The ZEEKR X is expected to be built atop Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) EV platform alongside the upcoming smart #1 EV which shares very similar measurements.

A source familiar with the matter recently told CnEVPost that the ZEEKR X is not expected to be built at the automaker’s Ningbo facility, but at one of Geely’s plants in Chengdu, Sichuan province instead. The full reveal of the ZEEKR X is expected to happen at the Shanghai Auto Show this coming April.

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Hyundai’s first EV sports car has even Lamborghini interested [Video]

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Hyundai's first EV sports car has even Lamborghini interested [Video]

The IONIQ 5 N is the fastest Hyundai ever made, electric or gas-powered. The sporty electric car is so good that it’s now drawing the attention of some of the industry’s finest. Hyundai’s EV sports car was recently spotted outside a Lamborghini test facility. Check out the video below.

Hyundai’s EV sports car caught at a Lamborghini test site

As the first EV to wear its “N” badge, Hyundai aimed to set the bar even higher. And that it did. The IONIQ 5 N is not only the most powerful Hyundai, it’s also the most fun to drive with a series of track-ready features.

Based on its advanced E-GMP platform, Hyundai’s electric sports car delivers up to 641 hp. That’s when using its N Grin boost feature, which gives you a 10-second power surge.

When on the track, N Launch control enables you to adjust to different road conditions for the perfect takeoff. Other features, like N e-Shift, simulate an 8-speed N Dual Clutch Transmission, making it feel like you’re in a true race car.

With N Active Sound+, you cannot only feel the performance but also hear it. Eight internal and two external features sync to your vehicle’s performance.

Hyundai's-EV-Lamborghini
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai’s EV sports car is apparently good enough to attract Lamborghini’s attention. A Hyundai IONIQ 5 N model was recently spotted leaving Lamborghini’s test facility.

The video from YouTuber Varryx shows a Lamborghini test driver leaving the “Porta Sud,” suggesting the sports car maker could be benchmarking Hyundai’s EV.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N spotted outside a Lamborghini test facility (Source: Varryx)

Lamborghini unveiled the Lanzador in 2023, its first fully electric vehicle. The concept introduces a new high-ground-clearance GT with 2+2 seating. Or, in other words, like a supercar sitting on an SUV. It’s expected to launch in 2029.

Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N already beat a Lamborghini Urus Performante in a drag race (see the video here), so it’s no wonder the Italian sports car maker is taking notes.

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Hydrogen dead end: Hyzon board votes to dissolve company

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Hydrogen dead end: Hyzon board votes to dissolve company

The board of directors of the troubled hydrogen fuel cell maker has voted to dissolve the company that developed the first HFC garbage truck to North America last spring, pending shareholder approval.

After a promising global start that saw the American startup announce pilot programs that would see its hydrogen fuel cells put to work in transit buses in Brisbane, its tow trucks (above) in Victoria, and five 154-ton severe duty trucks scheduled to service a zinc refinery operation in north Queensland, slow sales and an inability to deliver on its ambitious goals saw the company quit Australia in July.

Now, Hyzon is quitting altogether.

After issuing a WARN letter to employees in December announcing layoff plans, citing an inability to raise funding and the future uncertainty relating to the availability of government subsidies. Now, it appears the Hyzon board of directors has unanimously voted to dissolve the company and liquidate its assets (pending shareholder approval).

Unanimously approved, subject to stockholder approval, the transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets through an assignment for the benefit of creditors, and the liquidation and dissolution of the Company pursuant to a plan of dissolution while continuing to pursue strategic alternatives and potential funding sources intended to maximize the value of its business and assets.

HYZON, IN A STATEMENT TO NASDAQ

If Hyzon is unable to find a buyer or an patient, bullish customer soon, expect all of Hyzon’s staff at its Bolingbrook, Illinois and Troy, Michigan facilities to be laid off by the end of February 2025.

Electrek’s Take

Hyzon 200 kW hydrogen fuel cell.

When I wrote about Hyzon retreating from Australia’s shores, I noted that Australia’s commercial BEV sales were booming. The same is true in the US, as well, with Cox Automotive expecting fully 1 in 4 new cars sold this year to be fully electric.

It seems like the market has spoken, then – and hydrogen has lost.

SOURCE | IMAGES: NASDAQ, via ACT.

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GM is using AI to find ideal spots for EV charging stations

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GM is using AI to find ideal spots for EV charging stations

Data scientists at General Motors (GM) are using AI and machine learning to pinpoint ideal EV charging station locations across the US.

As EV sales hit record highs for GM in 2024, many drivers are still unsure where to charge their vehicles. To tackle this, GM has partnered with EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers to boost public charging options and improve the overall charging experience.

Partnerships with EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers

GM and EVgo are working together to install 2,850 DC fast charging stalls nationwide. This includes 400 flagship fast-charging locations in major metro areas with 350 kW chargers for ultra-fast charging. These stations feature pull-through layouts for easier vehicle maneuvering, bright lighting for safety, and canopies to protect against the elements.

Additionally, GM has teamed up with Pilot Flying J and EVgo to add up to 2,000 DC fast chargers at 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers. So far, more than 130 locations are operational.

Using AI to site EV charging stations

To ensure new charging stations are sited where they’ll have the most impact, GM’s data scientists are tapping into artificial intelligence. AI tools analyze EV traffic patterns, driver behaviors, and existing infrastructure to identify optimal locations for chargers.

By treating site selection as a mathematical optimization problem, these algorithms evaluate factors like traffic flow and proximity to other chargers. The results are then visualized on detailed maps, helping stakeholders understand the reasoning behind each recommendation. Human experts review and refine these suggestions to finalize charging site plans.

Once the data-driven decisions are made, GM works with its partners to bring these strategic charging stations online.

This approach blends advanced technology with industry collaboration to tackle one of the most significant hurdles for EV adoption, ensuring drivers have the confidence to make the switch.

What do you think about the use of AI to site EV charging stations? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more: GM and EVgo double their DC fast chargers to 2,000 in 16 months


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