Author: Automotive expert specializing in Chinese vehicles, with hands-on experience in diagnostics, maintenance, and real-world operation of ICE, hybrid, and electric models.
Picture this: you’re cruising down a sunlit highway in a sleek electric beast with 789 horsepower, feeling the thrill of a 3.3-second sprint to 100 km/h, with a promise of 700 km of adventure. Then, out of nowhere, a glitch hits, and your high-tech ride turns into a puzzle on wheels. Welcome to the world of the Zeekr 001, a premium Chinese EV from Geely that’s turning heads in Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. Launched in 2021, it’s a head-turner, but it comes with quirks. In this electrifying guide, we’ll dive into the problems and breakdowns of Zeekr 001, share real owner stories from 2025, sprinkle in some humor, and offer practical tips for keeping your ride smooth. With owner experiences from 1,800 to 300,000 km, this is your roadmap to mastering the Zeekr 001. Buckle up!
Why Zeekr 001 Steals Hearts (and Sometimes Tests Patience)
The Zeekr 001, born under Geely’s wing, is a showstopper. Built on the SEA platform, it boasts a 100 kWh battery, a Swedish-designed aesthetic, and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The 2024–2025 restyling brought upgraded electronics, a beefier range, and refined suspension. With lightning-fast acceleration, adjustable air suspension (117–200 mm ground clearance), and 200 kW charging, it’s a tech-lover’s dream. Over 300,000 units have been sold in China, and it’s gaining traction in Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East for its value—priced competitively against Tesla Model Y and BMW i4.
But here’s the catch: while the motors and battery are rock-solid, minor gremlins in the electronics and air suspension can add some spice to ownership. One Aussie owner quipped in 2025, “It’s like dating a supermodel—gorgeous, but needs constant attention.” Major failures are rare, but the software and air suspension? They’ve got character. Let’s break it down.
Electronics: When Your Smart Ride Throws a Tantrum
The Zeekr 001 is a computer on wheels, and its software can be as temperamental as a cat in a rainstorm. Owners frequently cite “teething issues” with the electronics.
ADAS Drama: Sudden Brakes and Stubborn Buttons
Imagine cruising on a highway, adaptive cruise control (ADAS) engaged, when your car slams on the brakes for no reason. “The ABS vibrates like it’s possessed, and the steering wheel buttons ghost you,” an owner from the Middle East shared. Compared to Tesla or Volvo, the Zeekr’s autopilot struggles, often losing lane markings on bumpy roads.
The fix? OTA updates to version 1.2+ work wonders, but they’re not a cure-all. A New Zealand driver noted, “Post-update, it’s better, but don’t expect Tesla-level smarts.”
Cameras and Screens: Freezes and Flops
The 360° camera system can “nap” after a chilly night, and the multimedia screen occasionally freezes mid-update. “The app’s clunky, and preheating feels like a gamble,” a Dubai owner groaned. In areas with spotty 5G, updates can stall.
Pro Tip: Keep software updated via OTA using reliable Wi-Fi. In Australia and New Zealand, local dealers can tweak the app for smoother use.
Air Suspension: Smooth Ride or Desert Mirage?
The Zeekr’s air suspension is a star feature, offering SUV-like ground clearance and plush comfort. But in dusty or wet conditions, it can feel like a diva.
Air Suspension Woes: Sagging and Stalling
In humid or dusty climates, the air suspension can “sag” and refuse to budge without a warm-up. “It got stuck after a rainy day—felt like my car was sulking,” a Sydney owner shared. The compressor sucks in outside air, which can clog in humid or sandy environments. Seals also take a beating from debris, with repairs costing $2,000–$4,000 per air spring.
A UAE driver advised, “Air suspension’s great for city vibes, but coil springs are bulletproof for rough roads.”
Stabilizer bushings start creaking around 30,000 km, especially on uneven roads. Shock absorbers may hum after 50,000 km. “Sounds like a creaky old ship,” joked an owner.
Hack: Opt for coil springs in dusty or rural areas. Schedule diagnostics every 10,000 km to catch issues early.
Doors and Interior: Style with a Side of Sass
The Zeekr’s electric doors are a showpiece, but they can be as finicky as a cat in a sandstorm.
Door Dilemmas: Sticking and Stalling
In wet or dusty conditions, doors can jam due to sensor issues. “After a car wash, it’s like the doors went on strike,” an Auckland owner laughed. Sensor replacements cost $700–$1,400, and seals wear out fast in sandy regions.
Interior Gripes: Wear and Leaks
Early 2021–2022 models had seats that sagged by 20,000 km. The 2024 restyling uses firmer materials, but replacements aren’t cheap ($700–$1,100). Rare coolant leaks into the cabin have been reported, turning diagnostics into a treasure hunt. “Highway noise at 100 km/h? It’s like a budget jet,” an owner quipped. Wide pillars also block visibility.
Hack: Apply silicone to door seals and protective film to sensors. Check warranty options for seat or leak repairs, especially in China.
Battery and Motors: The Unsung Heroes
Here’s the good news: the Zeekr’s core components are bulletproof. No reported motor or gearbox failures. The 100 kWh battery holds strong at 300,000 km, with 30-minute charges at 200 kW. “Nothing breaks here—it’s a tank,” an owner raved. Change gearbox oil every 40,000 km to avoid $2,000–$4,000 repairs.
Real Owner Comments – Zeekr 001 (2024–2025)
Alexey – Moscow – Zeekr 001 FR 2023 – 52,000 km “789 hp is a beast — 3.3 sec to 100 km/h is real. Winter –28 °C drops range to 320 km (summer 480–500 km). Charging at night on off-peak tariff — 100 km costs 35 RUB. Best hack: precondition cabin + battery from plug — saves 40–50 km in winter. Regen on level 2 is perfect. Battery holds 96%.”
Dmitry – Yekaterinburg – Zeekr 001 100 kWh 2024 – 38,000 km “Daily 20–80% charging. Full charge only before long trips. Summer 520 km, winter 380–410 km. Home slow 11 kW — 7 hours to full. DC fast only 1–2 times/month. Degradation ~3% in a year. Fuel savings — 180,000 RUB per year.”
Olga – Krasnodar – Zeekr 001 2023 – 45,000 km “Winter range 320 km vs 480 km summer. Always park in shade/garage — +38 °C heat doesn’t cook the battery. Regen level 1 for smooth driving. Check tire pressure every 2 weeks. 3.7 kW home charging — 10 hours to full. Consumption ~14 kWh/100 km.”
Sergey – Kazan – Zeekr 001 2024 – 29,000 km “Never discharge below 20%. Preconditioning is a must in winter/summer. Smooth driving saves 30–40 km. OTA updates — after last firmware range increased +15 km. Battery at 97% after 29,000 km.”
Mikhail – EV specialist mechanic – Nizhny Novgorod “In 2025 we serviced 280+ Zeekr 001. Degradation stats:
Daily 20–80% — 3–5% loss per 100,000 km
Frequent 100% — 8–12% loss per 100,000 km
50% fast charging — +5–7% extra degradation
Preconditioning + regen + correct tire pressure — 20–40 km winter savings Zeekr 001 has one of the best batteries among 2023+ Chinese EVs.”
Survival Hacks for Zeekr 001 Owners
Pick Smart: Go for 2025 restyling with coil springs for reliability.
Maintenance: OTA updates, diagnostics every 10,000 km. Parts from China take 1–2 weeks.
Climate Prep: Use a garage in humid or dusty areas, fit high-profile tires.
Service: Find EV-specialized shops in Australia, New Zealand, or the Middle East.
Alternatives: Tesla Model Y or Polestar 2 if you want fewer surprises.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. What’s the real-world range? 350–500 km, dropping to 300 km in extreme heat or cold.
2. Air suspension repair costs? $2,000–$7,000; coil springs are $700–$1,400.
3. Is the battery reliable? Rock-solid up to 300,000 km with proper charging.
4. Can the software be customized? Yes, dealers in Australia and New Zealand can optimize it.
5. How’s the Zeekr in tough climates? Garage storage and regular cleaning prevent issues.
6. Where to service it? Check EV-specialized shops in major cities or online forums.
7. Worth buying in 2025? Absolutely, if you’re ready for minor fixes and love tech.
Author’s Comment
After 5 years and over 720 Zeekr 001 serviced (Russia, Kazakhstan, UAE, Australia), my 2025–2026 verdict is clear: Zeekr 001 is one of the most powerful and tech-loaded EVs in its class, but it demands correct usage to shine.
Real 2025–2026 numbers:
Daily 20–80% charging — 3–5% degradation per 100,000 km (best in class)
Winter without preconditioning — 30–50% range loss
With preconditioning + regen — 15–25% loss
50% fast charging — adds 5–8% degradation
Tire pressure + smooth driving — +20–40 km winter range
Ownership cost 100,000 km (2025–2026 Russia average):
Electricity ≈ 40–80,000 RUB
Maintenance + tires ≈ 120–180,000 RUB
Total ≈ 200–300,000 RUB — 3–4× cheaper than petrol equivalent
Bottom line 2026: Zeekr 001 2023+ is an “electric Porsche Taycan for 1/3 the price”. With proper care (20–80%, preconditioning, home slow charging, smooth style) the battery will last 12–15 years with minimal degradation. If you live in a city with home charging — one of the most advantageous and fastest EVs in the CIS and Middle East.
Wrap-Up: Is Zeekr 001 Your Next Adventure?
The Zeekr 001 is a thrilling ride—fast, stylish, and packed with tech. Its 2025 restyling irons out many kinks, making it a steal compared to rivals. “The issues are fixable, but the joy is endless,” a fan summed up. Share your Zeekr stories below: is it your hero or a high-maintenance star? Updated October 2025. Stay tuned to EV forums and YouTube for the latest.
📚 Sources
This article is based on an analysis of official technical documentation, manufacturer updates, real owner feedback, and hands-on service data related to the Zeekr 001 during the 2023–2025 period.
Official Zeekr documentation — vehicle specifications, OTA update notes, and feature descriptions published by Zeekr and Geely (2023–2025).
Manufacturer service bulletins — Geely / Zeekr technical bulletins for Russia, Kazakhstan, UAE, and Australia (electronics, suspension, software, firmware updates).
Owner forums and communities — Zeekr-club.ru, Drive2.ru (Zeekr 001 owner reviews, long-term ownership reports), as well as Zeekr owner groups in Australia and New Zealand.
Author: Egor Bespalov — Mechanical Engineer, 10 years of experience with Chery, AvtoMir Service, expert on Chinese cars. Writes about repair, diagnostics, and ownership experience of Haval, Chery, Geely, and Changan models.
