A newly introduced electric car has proven itself in the heat and summer conditions of the UAE by travelling over 450km on a single charge across the country, which included a climb to the top of the 1400-plus-metre tall Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE.
The ZEEKR 001 embarked on what its makers termed an “Ultra Test Drive” across the UAE during the peak of summer this year, with the journey kicking off in Abu Dhabi, driving through Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, and scaling Jebel Jais’s over 1,400m peak —before returning to Dubai.
The ZEEKR 001, with its impressive driving range of up to 580km, took on the challenge of completing this 450km journey on a single charge, said a joint statement from the AW Rostamani Group, the EV brand’s dealer in the UAE, and China’s Geely Group, which owns ZEEKR.
According to the statement, this test pushed the EV’s limits as it navigated extreme heat, steep inclines and sharp turns on the drive to Jebel Jais. The ZEEKR 001 successfully met this objective, showcasing its remarkable capabilities for both daily commutes and long-distance trips, thanks to its Intelligent Thermal Management System.
ZEEKR’s advanced power management system
A key factor in the EV’s successful Ultra Test Drive is its advanced Intelligent Thermal Management System, said the statement. This system revolutionises battery efficiency and safety through its unique High Voltage Coolant Heater (HVCH), which minimizes the impact of high temperatures on driving range. By ensuring consistent temperature distribution across the battery and its cells, the system maintains a comfortable interior climate while optimizing range performance.
During the ascent of Jebel Jais, the car’s impressive 400kW (544hp) power output and 0-100km/h acceleration in a mere 3.8 seconds allowed it to effortlessly tackle steep inclines and sharp turns. On the downhill descent, the regenerative braking system effectively converted kinetic energy, extending the driving range and preventing brake overheating. Additionally, ZEEKR’s intelligent power distribution system detected wheel slip within 0.4 seconds, adjusting power distribution to maintain safe and stable driving.
As the ZEEKR 001 transitioned from high-altitude roads back to urban streets and highways, the regenerative braking continued to enhance the vehicle’s range, ensuring maximum efficiency throughout the journey.
Despite extreme temperatures, rugged landscapes and extended drives, the ZEEKR 001 consistently offered a supremely comfortable driving experience. ZEEKR 001’s pure electric platform provides an ergonomic sitting posture, with seats that offer 12-way electric adjustment. With ventilated and massage seat functions, the journey back effectively reduced fatigue during the 450-kilometer long-distance ultra challenge. The ZEEKR 001’s air suspensions absorbing the rugged road vibrations made it an even more comfortable trip.
The dealer and manufacturer’s statement said that this challenge highlighted a significant milestone for electric vehicles, showcasing the capabilities of the ZEEKR 001 on a global scale. This achievement underscored the ZEEKR 001’s exceptional performance, range, and adaptability, making it the ideal choice for discerning drivers seeking a premium and sustainable driving experience.
Through its partnership with ZEEKR, the AW Rostamani Group – the premium electric mobility brand’s official dealership in the UAE – continues to shape the future of mobility in the region, said the Group.