Zeekr 9X hybrid SUV sets new benchmark

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr has announced its latest flagship model, the Zeekr 9X, will debut an all-new plug-in hybrid architecture claimed to deliver class-leading EV range and charging speeds.

The Zeekr X small SUV and Zeekr 009 luxury people mover populate Zeekr showrooms in Australia at present, with the 7X mid-size SUV headed here later in the year.

The new Zeekr 9X is currently being considered for the Australian market and is understood to be a 50:50 chance at present.

Built on Zeekr’s new SEA-S platform (Super Electric Architecture System), which the company describes as the world’s first hybrid platform constructed on pure electric foundations, the Zeekr 9X gets a hefty 70kW battery pack – also claimed to be largest ever fitted to a hybrid vehicle.

The CATL-supplied Freevoy super hybrid battery pack (leveraging new sodium-ion chemistry) allows for a 380km electric cruising range. However, that figure is based on the lenient CLTC scale and not WLTP favoured in most mainstream markets.

Combined driving range is more than 1000km.

Another key element of the vehicle's new platform is its 900-volt architecture – a significant departure from the 400-volt systems that dominate the hybrid market.

This higher voltage enables the Zeekr 9X to achieve 60kW DC fast charging speeds and deliver what Zeekr calls a ‘true EV-like experience’ without range anxiety.

Recharging the battery from 10 to 80 per cent takes just 10 minutes insists the Chinese car-maker.

The Zeekr 9X made its debut at the 2025 Shanghai motor show as a cut-price Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the new powertrain includes a triple-motor electric drive system backed up with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is claimed to be exclusive to Zeekr’s hybrid line-up.

It remains to be seen whether sister brands Volvo and Polestar will gain access to the new tech, which delivers 1030kW of total power, enabling acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds.

Zeekr’s development of the 9X reflects broader trends in the electric vehicle market, which are seeing increased demand for hybrid vehicles.

The success of vehicles like the 9X will likely influence broader industry trends toward higher-voltage architectures and larger battery capacities in hybrid vehicles.

As charging infrastructure continues to expand globally, the appeal of extended electric-only range in hybrid vehicles may prove to be a significant market differentiator.

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