Zeekr’s Shooting Brake pushes the bounds of ultra-fast charging, signaling a bold step forward for the brand’s international ambitions and for Australia’s rapidly evolving EV landscape. As Zeekr continues to build momentum in the Australian market, where the brand launched with the Zeekr X (400V) and Zeekr 009 MPV, the race to redefine charging times and performance is no longer contained to China or Europe. The latest reveal, the Zeekr 001 Shooting Brake, showcases not only a striking design but a suite of next‑gen technologies that could reshape how Australians think about long-distance EV travel.

What we know about Zeekr’s next-gen tech

• Architecture and charging performance
• The 001 Shooting Brake introduces a 900V electrical architecture, a step up from Zeekr’s earlier platforms and a move aimed at enabling ultra-fast charging across multiple battery configurations.
• Zeekr highlights a potential charging capability of up to 1,140 kW on the right DC charger for certain battery variants, underscoring a philosophy centered on rapid replenishment. Real-world speeds will depend on battery temperature, state of charge, and charger availability.
• The flagship variant with the “Golden Brick” 95 kWh battery (an LFP pack) is positioned to extract the highest charging rates, with the right‑hand DC hardware capable of delivering blistering power when a compatible 1+ MW charging network is accessible.
• Battery options and performance
• The 001 will be offered in multiple configurations. A rear-drive (RWD) variant pairs a 370 kW motor with a 103 kWh CATL-supplied battery, enabling 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds.
• An all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant adds a front motor, bringing combined outputs to around 680 kW. This setup can use either the 103 kWh CATL pack or the 95 kWh Golden Brick LFP option.
• With the AWD powertrain and the Golden Brick configuration, the 0-100 km/h sprint drops to below 2.9 seconds, and top speed is projected to reach around 280 km/h in theoretical testing scenarios.
• Interior and tech highlights
• The 001’s cabin steps up with a large 16-inch central display (3.5K resolution) and a 13-inch screen behind the steering wheel, delivering dense, high‑resolution information at a glance.
• A 39-inch heads-up display (HUD) sits atop the dash, complemented by a premium audio system featuring 29 speakers for an immersive experience.
• Interior materials span synthetic to Nappa leather, with high-quality trim selections intended to evoke a premium feel in Zeekr’s 4.98-metre shooting brake layout.
• Exterior and design notes
• The shooting brake body style combines a sporty silhouette with practical cargo versatility, aligning with Zeekr’s strategy to broaden appeal beyond conventional sedan formats while maintaining a refined luxury experience.
• Charging infrastructure and global rollout
• Zeekr reports a growing network of ultra-fast charging sites, including plans to roll out 1,300 kW-capable charging stations in China and a broader global expansion over the coming years. The company’s stated aim is to extend these high-power networks into key markets, including Australia, as it scales production and logistics to support a growing customer base.
• Australian market context
• In Australia, Zeekr’s early success has hinged on the 7X, the firm’s 800V architecture flagship, touted as Australia’s fastest charging EV with 10-80% in around 12 minutes under optimal conditions. More than 2,000 pre-orders for the 7X underscored strong consumer interest as deliveries began to roll out.
• The 001 Shooting Brake signals Zeekr’s intent to broaden its Australian lineup and introduce even higher-performance options and faster charging capabilities, though timelines for local availability of the 001 and its far‑reaching charging tech will depend on supply chains, local regulations, and network partnerships.

What this means for Australian buyers and the market

• Ultra-fast charging expectations
• The promise of 10-80% in a matter of minutes, particularly on a 900V platform with high‑power charging, raises the bar for what Australians will expect from home, regional, and highway charging networks. However, practical results will hinge on the presence of appropriately capable DC fast chargers in major corridors, a factor that continues to improve across the country.
• Vehicle variety and performance
• Zeekr’s Australian introduction has so far focused on the X and 009, with the 7X leading the pack on charging speed. The 001 Shooting Brake would add a more dynamic, performance-oriented option with a luxury-forward interior and cutting-edge tech, potentially appealing to buyers seeking long-range capability and rapid recharging on weekend trips or longer coastal drives.
• Market dynamics and charging infrastructure
• Australia’s charging ecosystem is expanding, with fast-charging networks and government incentives evolving to support EV adoption. The arrival of vehicles with ultra-fast charging capabilities will likely drive further investment in high-powered charging sites along key travel routes, alongside continued improvements in battery cooling tech and energy management.
• Practical considerations for owners
• Real-world charging times depend on the battery’s state of charge, ambient temperature, and the charger’s own performance. While Zeekr’s numbers are compelling, early Australian owners should anticipate realistic charging windows that still favour strategically located fast chargers and robust on-board thermal management.

Conclusion

Zeekr’s 001 Shooting Brake embodies a bold step in the brand’s ongoing push toward higher efficiency, faster charging, and premium, tech-forward interiors. While the Australian market has already shown strong appetite for Zeekr’s 7X flagship and its 800V architecture, the 001’s 900V platform and “Golden Brick” battery concept position Zeekr to challenge conventional charging norms and redefine what is possible in a luxury EV. For Australian drivers, the ascent of ultra-fast charging networks combined with Zeekr’s expanding lineup signals a more convenient and compelling long-distance EV experience, provided that the local infrastructure advances in parallel with new model rollouts.

FAQs

How real‑world fast are Zeekr’s claimed charging times?

• Zeekr cites sub-7 minute 10-80% charging for certain configurations on a 900V platform under optimal conditions, with ideal temperature and a compatible high‑power charger. Real-world results will vary based on battery temperature, ice‑cooling status, current battery state of charge, and charger availability. In practice, drivers may experience slower top-up times if temperatures are high or chargers are busy.

What is the Golden Brick battery and why does it matter?

• The Golden Brick refers to Zeekr’s 95 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack option. LFP chemistries offer strong thermal stability and longer cycle life, often at a lower cost, which can support higher charging rates in certain configurations. It’s paired with high-demand charging hardware to achieve rapid replenishment, particularly when paired with the 900V platform.

Will the Zeekr 001 Shooting Brake be available in Australia?

• Zeekr has already established a presence in Australia with models like the X, 009, and 7X. The 001 Shooting Brake represents a next‑generation platform that Zeekr intends to bring to global markets, including Australia, subject to supply, regulatory approval, and local network readiness. Timelines are typically announced closer to local production or import schedules.

How does the 001 compare to the 7X in Australian terms?

• The 7X is currently highlighted as Australia’s fastest-charging EV, thanks to its 800V architecture and high-power charging strategy, with published 10-80% times around 12 minutes under favorable conditions. The 001 Shooting Brake introduces a 900V platform and higher peak charging capabilities, along with a refreshed interior and performance specs that aim to elevate overall speed and acceleration. Real-world charging performance will depend on charger availability and vehicle temperature management.

What does 900V architecture mean for charging compatibility?

• A 900V architecture typically enables higher charging power at compatible stations, potentially reducing charging times on the right infrastructure. However, charging speed is not determined by voltage alone; it also depends on current capability, battery chemistry, cooling, and the charger’s maximum output. Widespread benefits require a network of 900V+ fast chargers and compatible vehicle software.

What should Australian buyers look for in the next 12-24 months?

• Prospective buyers should monitor:
• Availability and pricing of the Zeekr 001 Shooting Brake in Australia, including local warranty and service coverage.
• The expansion of ultra-fast charging networks along major highways and in urban centers.
• Any updates to Zeekr’s Australian lineup, including price changes, software features, and after-sales support.
• Government and state initiatives that support high-power charging and EV ownership.

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