Gen Zeekr: Driving an EV for the first-time

I’d never driven an electric vehicle before. As someone who’s always known that I’d eventually make the leap to an EV, getting behind the wheel of the Zeekr 009 was more than just a test drive—it was a revelation.

This wasn’t just a car. It was a seamless blend of futuristic innovation and deeply personal comfort—tailored to the modern driver, especially for those of us who’ve grown up in an era of customisation, biohacking, and tech that adapts to us, not the other way around.

The Zeekr 009 is a six- or seven-seat luxury MPV that does more than turn heads with its design. It’s a people mover, not just a person mover, and it’s been built to ensure every passenger’s comfort is catered to.

From ambient rooftop lighting, to a 17-inch 3K OLED screen capable of playing Tik Toks, and a 30-speaker, 3000W YAMAHA system, the soft hum of silent readiness welcomes everyone.

I wasn’t kidding about the Tik Toks. Source: Tanya Shukla (Renew Economy).

In fact, the hum was so subtle that, before I started driving, I had to ask, “Is this thing even on?”

The assistant driver replied, “Yes, this is what it feels like to drive an EV.”

But what truly struck me wasn’t the luxury—it was the intelligence. The car intuitively understood what I needed. From adjusting the climate to controlling the lighting or navigating through the 15-inch central touchscreen, everything felt immediate, natural and personal. I focused on not hitting the safety cones, while “Hey Zeekr” took care of the rest.

Speakers in head rests. Source: Tanya Shukla (Renew Economy)

With dual motors producing 450kW of power and 693Nm of torque, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds—a remarkable feat for a vehicle of this size. And with a 116kWh battery offering up to 582km of WLTP range, it’s as practical as it is powerful.

Charging is quick too, with 205kW DC fast charging taking the battery from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. And with full 360° visual park assist, the Zeekr 009 builds a genuine sense of trust between driver and machine.

Throughout the drive, a deeper idea kept circling in the back of my mind. EVs aren’t just about changing how we drive—they represent a broader cultural shift in how we live. With the rise of electric mobility comes a wave of technology that allows for personalisation in a way traditional cars never could.

Source: Tanya Shukla (Renew Economy)

Just like social media gives us endless ways to express ourselves and food delivery apps give us countless ways to order what we want, EVs like the Zeekr 009 are part of a lifestyle built around options. My generation craves an interconnected ecosystem where every detail supports a life built on individuality.

This first experience behind the wheel of an EV wasn’t just about driving—it was about discovering how a vehicle can fit into the rhythm of modern life. The Zeekr 009 feels less like a machine, rather it anticipates your needs, adapts to your preferences, and slots effortlessly into a lifestyle built on choice and connection.

It’s not just where the road is going—it’s where culture is heading. And if this is what it means to embrace electric living, then the future can’t come fast enough.

Zeekr 009 (7-seater) technical specs. Source: Zeekr

Zeekr 009 (6-seater) technical specs. Source: Zeekr