At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, a significant emphasis was placed on the advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, particularly as automotive manufacturers pivot towards integrating AI automation into their offerings. Among the exhibitors, the Chinese brand Zeekr showcased its commitment to this innovative frontier with a range of vehicles and technological developments.
Zeekr, a "global premium electric mobility technology brand," introduced itself at CES with three notable models, including the Zeekr RT, which is poised for delivery to Waymo for extensive testing this year. This venture is part of a broader initiative to incorporate the Zeekr RT into Waymo's commercial fleet. Speaking to CarBuzz News, a representative from Zeekr indicated that the collaboration aligns with their strategy to position robotaxis on the road ahead of major competitors such as Tesla.
In terms of technological sophistication, the Zeekr RT stands out for its advanced sensor suite, comprising 13 cameras, four lidar units, six radar units, and various external audio receivers. This system enables the vehicle to navigate urban environments autonomously without reliance on a human driver, setting it apart from others in the space that may utilise more limited sensor sets.
In addition to the RT, Zeekr presented the Zeekr 001 FR shooting brake, the Zeekr 009 Grand MPV, and the family-oriented Zeekr MIX SUV. Of particular note was their self-designed intelligent driving domain controller, built on the Nvidia Drive AGX Thor system-on-a-chip (SoC) alongside Nvidia's DriveOS. This new technology, set to roll out in 2025, aims to enhance the vehicles' capabilities for diverse intelligent driving scenarios and advanced parking functionalities.
Beyond driving technology, Zeekr announced an extension of its partnership with Qualcomm Technologies to develop a sophisticated infotainment system. Vehicles from Zeekr will utilise a more powerful Qualcomm SoC that promises to deliver an enriched user experience, incorporating advanced features like facial recognition, natural language processing, and augmented reality.
Zeekr also unveiled plans to globalise its charging network, starting in Thailand and Australia. The brand aims to deploy thousands of ultra-fast charging stations designed for its vehicles, which utilise an 800V e-powertrain for quick charging. This initiative comes on the heels of their rapid growth within the Chinese market, having delivered 420,000 units across six models since launching their vehicle delivery service in October 2021.
As Zeekr continues to invest in both vehicle technology and infrastructure, it emerges as a significant contender in the evolving landscape of mobility and autonomous driving. The developments presented at CES 2025 illustrate a strategic push towards not only enhancing vehicle capabilities but also expanding the necessary support systems to accommodate a growing global footprint in electric mobility.
Source: Noah Wire Services