Zeekr will update “autopilots” on old electric cars 001 and 009

Information about the new Geely V900 minivan, allegedly presented in Guangzhou, is unavailable: there are no official data, images or confirmed announcements from Geely. The reports are likely based on rumors or misinterpretations.

The Chinese automobile industry has long ceased to be associated exclusively with mass budget models. Today, China is driving the global electric mobility revolution, with brands like Zeekr becoming symbols of technological excellence, engineering maturity and a customer-centric approach. And the company’s latest decision - a large-scale update of autonomous driving systems for owners of the first production electric cars - only confirms this status.

In 2025, Zeekr announced a Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) upgrade program for all Zeekr 001 and Zeekr 009 owners manufactured between 2021 and 2023. This is not just another OTA update - it is a comprehensive modernization of the “autopilot”, designed to bring the capabilities of early copies in line with modern brand standards.

The update affects both software and, in some cases, hardware. Owners of cars with the basic configuration will receive new software based on Zeekr AD 3.0, which includes improved neural network data processing algorithms, more accurate tracking of the trajectories of other road users and adaptation to complex urban conditions - including changing lanes at multi-lane intersections and reacting to sudden maneuvers.

For cars with an expanded sensor package (including LiDAR or extended-range radar), the update unlocks L2+ functions: automatic lane change with activated cruise control, “follow the leader” in parking lots, intelligent speed adaptation to road signs and even remote car parking using a smartphone - including in narrow garages where it is physically difficult for the driver to maneuver.

Zeekr paid special attention to backward compatibility. Instead of declaring older models obsolete and focusing only on new deliveries, the company has developed a special service package that will be available through the official dealer network. In some cases, aging cameras will need to be replaced or the control unit updated - but Zeekr will cover some of the costs, emphasizing its commitment to long-term customer relationships.

This step also has a symbolic meaning. It sends a clear message to the market: Chinese brands don't sell hardware - they supply living, developing ecosystems. The Zeekr 001, which debuted back in 2021 as Geely's grand leap into the premium electric segment, remains not only relevant today - it gets smarter with every update. The same goes for the Zeekr 009, a flagship minivan that has been positioned since its launch as the “first class on wheels.”

Now its “autopilot” will be able to more confidently cope with congestion at roundabouts, brake more smoothly when the vehicle in front slows sharply, and park more accurately even in cramped conditions - all without driver intervention.

This approach sets Zeekr apart from many Western competitors, where owners of “last year’s” models are often left without access to the latest features. In China, on the contrary, an electric car is seen as a long-term digital device that can evolve throughout its entire life cycle.

And that is why Zeekr, along with players such as NIO, BYD and Xiaomi Auto, is shaping the new face of the global auto industry - not through aggressive marketing, but through genuine care for the user and a belief in technology as a tool for improving everyday life.

Updating autopilots on Zeekr 001 and 009 is not just a technical upgrade. This is a values ​​statement. And about a future where the car knows you better than you think.