Zeekr, the Geely-owned electric vehicle brand already operating in Portugal, is preparing to introduce plug-in hybrid models to European markets by late 2026. This marks a strategic pivot from its current all-electric lineup in response to surging consumer demand for long-range hybrid alternatives.
Why This Matters
• Timeline confirmed: CEO Gan Jiayue announced the Zeekr 9X hybrid SUV will reach Europe in late 2026, following launches in the Middle East and Central Asia.
• Two powerhouse models: The 9X and 8X hybrids deliver up to 1,400 hp with combined ranges exceeding 1,200 km—including over 300 km electric-only on WLTP cycles.
• Market shift underway: Plug-in hybrids captured 9.7% of European sales between January and May 2024, up from 8.3% the previous year. Chinese brands now command 36% of the PHEV segment, reflecting accelerating market consolidation.
• Portugal tax implications: Recent ISV changes and Euro 6e-bis standards will affect the fiscal advantage of PHEVs, though specifics depend on emissions and electric range.
Expanding Beyond Battery-Only in Portugal
Zeekr's Portuguese showrooms currently stock four fully electric models: the urban X SUV, the 7GT wagon, the large 7X SUV, and the premium 001 shooting brake. However, Lothar Schupet, interim head of Zeekr's European operations, told Automotive News Europe in recent weeks that the feedback from dealers and customers has been unambiguous: "Everyone told us we need that car in Europe."
The remark refers specifically to Zeekr's pair of range-extended plug-in hybrids, the 8X and 9X, both of which pair a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine acting as an onboard generator with high-capacity battery packs. According to Schupet, both models can be driven in pure electric mode at all times, with the combustion unit "constantly charging the battery" rather than directly powering the wheels—a configuration that bridges the gap between traditional PHEVs and extended-range EVs.
Decision-making is moving fast. Schupet indicated that final approval is expected within the next two months, suggesting Portuguese consumers could see official pricing and availability details before the summer concludes.
The 9X and 8X: Specifications and Positioning
The Zeekr 9X, unveiled in 2025, is a three-row, six-seat luxury SUV stretching 5,239 mm in length. Equipped with battery options of 55.1 kWh or 70 kWh (NMC chemistry from CATL's Freevoy platform), it delivers between 220 and 380 km of electric range under the CLTC cycle and up to 1,250 km combined. Power outputs range from 890 hp to 1,380 hp, enabling 0–100 km/h sprints as quick as 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h. The five-seat variant began sales in China on 8 July 2026, and industry sources suggest it may arrive in Europe before year-end.
The Zeekr 8X, officially revealed in January 2026, is a slightly smaller sibling at 5,100 mm long. It shares the same battery and powertrain architecture, with WLTP electric range estimates of 256–328 km and combined autonomy reaching 1,049 km. The flagship "Shadow" variant channels 1,400 hp through three motors (one front, two rear) and hits 100 km/h in 2.96 seconds—making it one of the fastest SUVs on the planet. Both models support ultra-fast charging at over 400 kW, replenishing from 20% to 80% in approximately 9 minutes where compatible infrastructure exists.
Crucially, neither model has published European-certified fuel consumption or CO₂ figures yet, as homologation for the region is still pending. However, their 55-litre fuel tanks and electric-priority operation suggest daily commutes in Portugal—where average round trips often fall below 100 km—could be completed on electricity alone, reserving petrol for intercity travel or holiday road trips.
What This Means for Residents
For drivers in Portugal, the arrival of Zeekr's hybrids addresses two persistent pain points: range anxiety on intercity routes and limited public charging infrastructure in rural areas. While Portugal's fast-charging network has expanded significantly along the A1 and A2 corridors, coverage remains patchy in the interior and northern mountain regions. A plug-in hybrid with over 1,000 km of combined range eliminates the need to plan trips around charger locations.
From a fiscal perspective, timing matters. Portugal's 2026 ISV revisions tightened emissions thresholds for PHEVs, and the incoming Euro 6e-bis standard may further erode tax benefits for models with shorter electric ranges or higher CO₂ outputs. Zeekr's extended electric autonomy—potentially exceeding 300 km on WLTP—should position these models favorably, though final Portuguese ISV classification will depend on homologated emissions data not yet published.
Insurance costs and servicing are additional considerations. The 9X and 8X weigh between 2,660 kg and 3,095 kg—roughly equivalent to other large luxury SUVs like the BMW X7 or Mercedes GLS. Zeekr has yet to announce whether its European dealer network—including Portuguese partners—will handle combustion engine maintenance in-house or subcontract to Geely-affiliated workshops, given that Volvo and Lynk & Co share the parent group's technical infrastructure.
Chinese Brands Reshape Europe's PHEV Landscape
Zeekr's hybrid push reflects a broader strategic pivot by Chinese automakers seeking to sidestep European Union tariffs on battery-electric vehicles while capitalizing on robust PHEV demand. Between January and May 2024, Chinese brands doubled their European PHEV sales, capturing 36% of the segment by February. BYD's Seal U DM-i and Jaecoo 7 have repeatedly topped monthly sales charts, outpacing established European models.
For Portuguese buyers, this competitive intensity translates into tangible benefits. Geely's multi-brand strategy amplifies the trend: the Lynk & Co 01 PHEV leads the Netherlands market, while the newly launched Geely Starray EM-i (also marketed as Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i) achieved over 10,000 monthly global sales and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. XPeng is accelerating its PHEV rollout with the P7+ and MONA L03 range-extender variants, aiming to double overseas sales in 2026 following first-quarter European deliveries of 7,300 units.
This competitive intensity benefits Portuguese buyers through downward price pressure and rapid technology diffusion. Zeekr's 900V architecture, for instance, matches or exceeds the charging speeds of premium European marques at significantly lower entry prices. However, the European Commission is preparing new tariffs on Chinese PHEVs, which could dampen the current momentum and inflate showroom prices starting in 2027.
Expansion Across the Continent
Zeekr opened French order books on 2 April 2026, with first deliveries scheduled for May. The brand has since launched sales in Italy and commenced deliveries in Germany, where orders have been accepted since December 2025. Expansion into the United Kingdom and Spain is underway. In the first half of 2026, Geely Auto Group's exports surged 157% year-on-year to 102,874 units in June alone, with new-energy vehicles (EVs and PHEVs) accounting for 67% of February exports.
Portugal's market, though smaller than Germany or France, represents a strategic test case. The country's mix of urban density in Lisbon and Porto, coupled with dispersed rural communities and a growing expat population, mirrors the hybrid use-case across Southern Europe. If Zeekr can demonstrate that its plug-in hybrids meet Portuguese drivers' real-world needs—affordable long-distance travel without compromising daily electric operation—it strengthens the business case for broader Southern European distribution.
The Road Ahead
Zeekr's decision to greenlight hybrids for Europe hinges on final board approval expected by early September, according to Schupet's timeline. The 9X appears closest to market-ready status, with production already underway for Asian markets and regulatory filings anticipated imminently. The 8X, slated for fourth-quarter 2026 launch in select overseas markets, may follow in Portugal by early 2027.
For Portuguese consumers weighing their next vehicle purchase, the message is clear: Zeekr's Portugal lineup will expand beyond pure electric models. Whether that shift represents a pragmatic response to infrastructure realities or a hedge against uncertain EV adoption rates, it expands choice—and potentially redefines what "electric mobility" means for drivers unwilling to sacrifice flexibility for zero tailpipe emissions.
