Zeekr Enters Vietnam: Geely’s Strategic Ace in the Premium Electric Vehicle Arena

Founded in March 2021 by Geely, Zeekr entered the market much later than Tesla or BYD, but it boasts a colossal advantage that few startup car brands can match. Instead of starting from scratch, Zeekr inherits a robust technical ecosystem from international brands like Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus.

Brand Positioning: Premium Electric Vehicles with a Tech-Savvy Edge

Zeekr is positioned in the premium electric vehicle segment, nestled between Tesla and traditional luxury brands transitioning to electrification. The brand eschews “classic luxury” in favor of modern design, high performance, an 800V electrical architecture, advanced software, and an enhanced user experience.

All Zeekr models are developed on the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform—a pure electric architecture researched and developed by Geely. This flexible platform supports various body styles, battery configurations, and motor setups, enabling Zeekr to rapidly launch new products and update technologies.

Despite being just over four years old, Zeekr has expanded its business network to over 30 markets, including demanding European countries like Sweden and the Netherlands, as well as markets in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. To date, the brand has sold approximately 650,000 vehicles, with 224,133 units sold in 2025 alone—a testament to its significant growth in a challenging segment.

A Diverse Product Lineup Spanning Multiple Segments

From its inception, Zeekr has been positioned as a modern electric vehicle brand, focusing on cutting-edge technology and user experience.

Zeekr’s product portfolio spans multiple segments, including sedans, SUVs, and large MPVs. Notable models include the Zeekr 001, 001 FR, Zeekr X, Zeekr 007, 007 GT, Zeekr 7X, Zeekr 009, Zeekr MIX, and Zeekr 9X. This rapid and broad expansion of its product lineup underscores Zeekr’s ambition to become a full-line electric vehicle brand, catering to a diverse range of customers and body styles.

Two Flagship Models Set to Launch in Vietnam: Zeekr 7X and Zeekr 009

According to Tasco Auto, Zeekr will officially enter the Vietnamese market in Q2 2026. The two flagship models, the 7X SUV and the 009 MPV, are poised to shake up the market.

Zeekr 7X is positioned in the D-segment, competing directly with rivals like the VinFast VF 8, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-8, and Kia Sorento. Built on the PMA2+ platform with a 900V electrical architecture, the 7X offers two battery options: a 75 kWh LFP battery with a CLTC range of up to 605 km and a 100 kWh NMC battery with a range of up to 780 km. Notably, the LFP battery supports 5.5C charging, enabling a 10-80% charge in just 10.5 minutes via DC fast charging. The vehicle is expected to launch in Vietnam in May 2026, priced at approximately VND 2 billion.

Meanwhile, the Zeekr 009 is hailed as the brand’s flagship model in the large electric MPV segment, targeting upscale families and luxury business services.

In markets like Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, this model has achieved impressive sales. Developed on the Volvo EM90 chassis, the 009 boasts superior dimensions compared to many MPVs currently available in Vietnam. In its home market of China, the Zeekr 009 offers two powertrain options. The first is a single electric motor delivering 416 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque, paired with front-wheel drive, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h. The second option features dual motors producing 778 horsepower and 810 Nm of torque, paired with all-wheel drive, achieving a 0-100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds and the same top speed.

Both powertrain options are equipped with a 108 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery supporting fast charging from 10-80% in just 11.5 minutes, thanks to its 800V architecture. When fully charged, the single-motor variant offers a CLTC range of up to 740 km, while the dual-motor variant delivers 702 km. The vehicle also offers a 140 kWh battery option, extending the range to 900 km, though it switches to a 400V electrical system instead of the default 800V.

With its modern design and luxurious interior, the Zeekr 009 is poised to target customers of the Toyota Alphard and luxury business services.

Zeekr’s Potential in Vietnam’s 2026 Market

Launching in 2026 is considered a “golden” opportunity, as Vietnamese consumers’ awareness of electric vehicles has matured. Zeekr benefits from being distributed by Tasco Auto, which has experience operating Geely-affiliated brands like Volvo and Lynk & Co.

Zeekr’s presence will help complete Vietnam’s premium electric vehicle ecosystem, offering a fresh choice for customers accustomed to German luxury vehicles but seeking the technological and performance breakthroughs of the new era. Notably, the luxury electric MPV segment (with the Zeekr 009) remains an untapped “greenfield” with no effective competitors.

Challenges: Consumer Habits and Charging Infrastructure

Despite its potential, Zeekr faces significant hurdles in the Vietnamese market. The biggest challenge is charging infrastructure. While VinFast dominates public charging stations, Zeekr and other imported brands must build their own networks or rely on third-party providers, which could inconvenience customers initially.

Additionally, biases against Chinese-made vehicles persist, despite Zeekr’s quality approaching that of European luxury brands. To succeed, Zeekr needs a competitive pricing strategy and exceptional after-sales service to win over increasingly discerning Vietnamese consumers.

Opportunities Abound, But Success Isn’t Guaranteed

Zeekr possesses the technology, resources, and products to become a formidable player in Vietnam. However, success hinges not only on offering great vehicles but also on building trust, providing sustainable after-sales service, and adapting to local infrastructure and consumer habits. If executed well, Zeekr could become an attractive alternative for consumers considering electric vehicles. If not, it risks blending into the crowd of new entrants.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)