China’s New Hybrid EV With CATL Battery Offers 621-Mile Range, Reaches 0-100 In 3.1 Seconds

Geely’s luxury EV brand Zeekr is turning heads with the upcoming launch of its most powerful and technologically advanced vehicle yet—the Zeekr 9X.

Unveiled ahead of its domestic release, the 6-seater Zeekr 9X promises 1,381 horsepower, 0–100 km/h acceleration in just 3.1 seconds, and a combined range of over 621 miles (1,000 km). The model is built on Zeekr’s new SEA-S modular architecture, marking its debut use within the brand. The launch also marks Zeekr’s eighth vehicle, and its most ambitious entry into the plug-in hybrid segment to date.

Aimed squarely at large families seeking top-tier electrification and performance, the Zeekr 9X is poised to compete against rivals like BYD’s Yangwang U8 and luxury crossovers from traditional global manufacturers. But what sets it apart is the technological firepower under its skin.

The Zeekr 9X is based on Geely’s SEA Hybrid platform, also referred to as the Haohan Hybrid, and features a cutting-edge Freevoy battery built by CATL. With a massive 70 kWh capacity, it boasts one of the largest battery packs in any plug-in hybrid passenger vehicle on the market today. This far exceeds the 49 kWh battery used in competing models like the Yangwang U8.

Charging performance is equally impressive. Thanks to a 900V electrical system and 6C charging capability, the 9X can charge from 20% to 80% in just nine minutes.

On pure electric power alone, the Zeekr 9X offers an estimated EV driving range of 236 miles, making it a practical daily driver for urban commuting as well as longer getaways.

At the heart of the 9X’s performance lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 275 horsepower, working in tandem with three silicon carbide electric motors. Combined, the system delivers a staggering 1,381 horsepower a figure Zeekr says is equivalent to the output of three V12 gasoline engines.

This massive power output allows the full-size crossover to hit a top speed of 149 mph, while maintaining a level of agility thanks to advanced chassis systems. These include a 48V active stabilizer bar to reduce body roll and an AI-powered suspension system that adapts to various terrains like snow, mud, rocks, and sand with minimal driver input.

The SUV’s structure is equally robust. Its frame is composed of 91% high-strength steel and aluminum, with a torsional rigidity of 30,700 lb-ft per degree a mark of serious durability and crash resilience. Ten different body reinforcement structures help it endure high stress in demanding conditions.

The top-tier version of the Zeekr 9X will feature the G-Pilot H9 driver assistance system, offering Level 3 autonomous driving. This means the vehicle can manage some driving tasks independently, such as highway cruising or traffic jams, but still requires the driver to be alert and ready to take control when needed.