Zeekr Is Upgrading Its EVs — Big Time
Chinese automaker Zeekr is setting a bold new standard by giving its 2023-built EVs a serious tech boost. Over 70,000 owners of the Zeekr 001 and 009 are now eligible for a full ADAS hardware upgrade, bringing their vehicles in line with 2024 models.
The upgrade swaps out around 60 components, including major parts like the windshield, bumper, and interior wiring. The process takes over 20 hours — not a simple plug-and-play. But the payoff? A jump from 48 TOPS to 700 TOPS of processing power with Zeekr’s new G-Pilot H7 system, powered by Nvidia’s Drive Thor-U platform.
Crowdfunded Upgrades with Real Value
To fund the upgrade, Zeekr is offering a crowdfunding model. For the 001, owners pay about $1,900, and for the 009 minivan, it’s roughly $2,600. Zeekr has also sweetened the deal with a $2,800 ADAS voucher for first owners, usable toward the upgrade or a new Zeekr vehicle.
Considering the hardware alone is worth over $4,200, the company is taking a financial hit to keep early adopters happy — a rare move in today’s EV market.
Tesla Owners Still Waiting
Meanwhile, Tesla drivers with Hardware 3.0 are left wondering. Tesla’s latest EVs ship with Hardware 4.0, necessary for Full Self-Driving. But despite promises, no clear upgrade path exists for older cars.
The real issue? HW3 and HW4 differ in cooling systems, wiring, and size — meaning a simple upgrade isn’t realistic. Still, Zeekr just proved that massive hardware swaps are possible, even post-sale.
A New Standard for Customer Loyalty?
Zeekr’s move could shift expectations across the EV industry. Instead of locking better tech behind newer models, they’re bringing older vehicles up to speed — literally. It’s not just about performance; it’s a powerful statement on supporting your customers beyond delivery day.
