Zeekr — a luxury EV brand by Chinese automotive manufacturer Geely — is expanding into four Middle East countries next year as it ramps up its global presence ahead of its planned US listing, Zeekr vice-president Chen-Yu said, according to the Financial Times. Zeekr will launch operations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. The EV maker is expected to deliver 10k units to the four new markets by 2025.

The specs: The Zeekr 001 model packs a 400 KW battery with a WLTP range of 620 KM and can reach 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, delivering a 200 km/h top speed. The Zeekr X model comes with 315 KW of power, a 445 KM range, and a 180 km/h top speed.

Refresher- Zeekr raised USD 750 mn in January to boost tech research, fuel global expansion plans, and launch its all-electric SUV Zeekr X along with an expansion into Europe in 2023. Zeekr’s cars are also expected to be launched in Israel by the end of the year. The company is open to fundraising from MENA investors, the report noted. “The Middle East is a relatively new market for EVs and there isn’t a matured brand offering of premium EVs in most of their markets,” Yu said.

The price tag: Zeekr 001 currently goes for around USD 63k in Europe, while Zeekr X's starting price is around USD 47k. The price for the Middle East launch is yet to be announced.