European drivers are shifting gears towards electric, with premium Chinese brand Zeekr playing a growing role in shaping perceptions and preferences across the continent.
A new survey commissioned by Zeekr—a global premium electric mobility technology brand—has revealed a clear uptick in European interest in electric vehicles (EVs), along with increased openness to Chinese-made models.
The comprehensive study gathered insights from over 8,000 people across eight key markets: the UK, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.
“The benefits of electric vehicles are widely understood, but we appreciate that not every market or every age group is as receptive to them as others.
The survey we commissioned does exactly that, and will help us to create even better EVs that will help further accelerate the transition to e-mobility throughout Europe,” said Lothar Schupet, Acting CEO of Zeekr Europe. “
Younger Drivers and Nordics Leading the Shift
Findings from the survey show that the Nordic countries are at the forefront of the EV revolution. In Sweden alone, over 62% of respondents said they were likely to own an EV by the end of 2027—well above the European average of 52%.
Younger drivers also appear more ready to embrace electric mobility. Among those aged 35 to 44, 62% said they intended to go electric by 2028. But enthusiasm dips among older generations—only 45% of those over 55 felt the same by 2035.
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A generational and cultural shift is fuelling Europe’s electric revolution, with younger drivers and Nordic consumers taking the lead—paving the way for brands like Zeekr to flourish.
Chinese EV Brands Gaining Ground
Despite historical scepticism around Chinese-made vehicles, attitudes are clearly softening. When asked if they were more open to buying a Chinese EV than they were 12 months ago:
- 38% said yes
- Only 17% said no
- Among current EV drivers, the figure rose to 53%
This suggests that familiarity with EVs goes hand in hand with a growing appreciation for the technical expertise of Chinese automakers—particularly in battery and charging innovation.
UK drivers, often seen as cautious buyers, stood out in their neutrality. 59% of UK respondents said the vehicle’s country of origin wouldn’t influence their purchase—a sign that British consumers are becoming more brand-agnostic and tech-focused.
Even in traditionally brand-loyal markets like Switzerland, more than half of those surveyed said premium Chinese EVs now rival Western counterparts in quality and performance.
Barriers Still Exist—But Zeekr is Addressing Them
Despite the growing interest, some familiar concerns remain:
- 42% want a range of at least 480km
- 40% demand ultra-fast charging (10–80% in 10 minutes)
- 45% say price remains a key barrier
Zeekr’s current lineup in Europe—the Zeekr 001, Zeekr X, and Zeekr 7X—already meets or exceeds many of these expectations:
- Prices start under €35,000
- Driving ranges up to 620km (WLTP)
- Rapid DC charging from 10–80% in just 10.5 minutes
And it’s not just about specs. Zeekr’s vehicles come loaded with high-end features as standard—no hidden extras. For instance, the Zeekr 7X includes:
- A panoramic glass roof
- Matrix LED headlights
- A heat pump
- A 22kW on-board charger
Many rival brands only offer these options at additional cost.
A European Soul, Designed for Europe
Zeekr attributes much of its success to its commitment to the European market. With design and R&D centres based in Sweden, the brand prioritises local preferences and incorporates customer feedback directly into the product development cycle.
“As more Chinese brands launch in Europe, we believe that having Design and R&D Centres in Sweden and integrating customer co-creation at the heart of our product development process gives Zeekr a European soul that truly sets it apart,” Schupet added.
The Road Ahead: Cleaner, Smarter, Electric
The shift towards e-mobility is gaining traction. While barriers like range, charging, and cost still influence consumer behaviour, the landscape is evolving rapidly. Technology is advancing, prices are becoming more competitive, and perceptions of Chinese EV brands—once a sticking point—are changing fast.
Zeekr’s strategy aligns with this new consumer mindset: offering premium, well-equipped electric vehicles at accessible prices, all while maintaining a strong European presence and identity.
The journey to cleaner, smarter transport isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming the new norm. And Zeekr is positioning itself firmly at the wheel.
- Zeekr 7X: Combined power consumption in kWh/100km: 17.7–19.9 (WLTP). Combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0.
- Zeekr 001: Combined power consumption in kWh/100km: 17.3–18.5 (WLTP). Combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0.
- Zeekr X: Combined power consumption in kWh/100km: 16.4–17.3 (WLTP). Combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0.
