ZEEKR launches MIX EV with unique double B-pillar doors and priced below $40K [Video]

Days after ZEEKR began mass production of its fifth model, the MIX, it officially launched the family-friendly EV in China and shared several of its unique and innovative features. Starting at a comparative price below $40K, the ZEEKR MIX EV showcases how creative and functional Chinese automakers are designing their latest models. Check out the features in the video below.

We will keep the recap short and sweet because we already went through everything two days ago when ZEEKR announced it had begun mass production of its new MIX EV. This family-focused multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) first caught our eye this past March.

Since then, the Geely-owned EV automaker has been sprinkling new tidbits of information, including its dimensions and that it sits atop its parent company’s SEA-M architecture. ZEEKR also promised to “break the constraints of space.”

Now that we’ve seen a video of some of the ZEEKR MIX EV’s features, the company has definitely delivered a unique and spacious model centered around family and social interaction. Have a look:

ZEEKR MIX EV deliveries to begin in China October 24

ZEEKR officially launched the new MIX EV during a live event in China earlier today. During the event, the automaker shared several videos showcasing its features, functions, and capabilities, many of which were reposted to the automaker’s Weibo page.

The automaker confirmed several details we already shared, including its dimensions and 270-degree swivel seats, elaborating that the design enables “’9+N’ cabin scenario modes.” As you can see above, The ZEEKR MIX can transform into a lounge, a dining room, or even a fishing hub.

What may be the most interesting of what we’ve learned today is the ZEEKR MIx EV’s Double B-pillar motorized doors, claimed to be an “industry first” that provides a 1.48-meter-wide entrance on either side, enabling livestock to pass through (see video below). What’s also impressive is that despite its lack of traditional B-pillars, the vehicle is still safe. Per ZEEKR:

The absence of traditional B-pillars doesn’t compromise safety in the ZEEKR MIX; in fact, it enhances it. The ZEEKR MIX features a hidden dual B-pillar design, with two ultra-high-strength steel pillars embedded within each door. This structure, crafted from 2,000 megapascal hot formed steel and fortified by a unique thickening process, offers over 30% more strength than conventional hot-formed steel. The one-piece die-casted rear body, adopting the same material as the ZEEKR 009, further enhances the vehicle’s resilience. Overall, the ZEEKR MIX achieves a  seemingly impossible combination of space, convenience and safety. 

As promised, the ZEEKR MIX EV is the first family-friendly model on Geely’s SEA-M Architecture, but the battery chemistry is slightly different than what we originally anticipated. Chinese customers can choose from a 76 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack offering a (CLTC) range of 550 km (342 miles), or 102 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) pack offering over 700 km (435 miles) of CLTC range.

We’ve covered ZEEKR’s proprietary LFP batteries in the past. These batteries boast 5.5C ultra-fast charging, enabling EVs to charge from  10% to 80% in a mere 10.5 minutes.

According to ZEEKR, the MIX EV is on sale in China now, starting at an MSRP of RMB 279,900 ($39,280). Initial deliveries are expected to begin as early as October 24, 2024. See more of the MIX’s features in the video below, and let us know what you think.