RT: The First Mass-Produced Autonomous Vehicle

On January 6, 2025, at CES in Las Vegas, Zeekr announced its groundbreaking collaboration with Waymo, unveiling the Zeekr RT, the first mass-produced native autonomous vehicle. Road testing for the Zeekr RT has commenced, with large-scale deliveries planned for 2025. This milestone positions Zeekr as the first Chinese automotive brand to enter the U.S. market with a homegrown product.

NVIDIA Drive Thor: Revolutionizing Intelligent Driving

Zeekr also introduced a domain controller powered by NVIDIA’s Drive AGX Thor, marking the first integration of NVIDIA’s next-generation system-on-chip (SoC) into a production-ready product. This domain controller, supported by NVIDIA’s advanced accelerated computing technology, will debut in 2025, enhancing intelligent driving and parking capabilities.

NVIDIA’s Drive Thor SoC, first revealed in 2022, is set to replace the Drive Orin platform, offering superior performance and supporting Zeekr’s innovative vehicle lineup.

New Models to Watch: EX, DX, and CC

Zeekr is set to launch three new models in 2025, internally codenamed EX, DX, and CC. The EX series, debuting with a large SUV, will feature Zeekr’s in-house developed intelligent driving domain controller built on NVIDIA Drive Thor. These models aim to set new benchmarks in performance and smart mobility.

Mobileye and NVIDIA: A Dual Approach to Intelligent Systems

Zeekr’s early models utilized Mobileye’s smart driving solutions. However, the launch of the Zeekr 007 in late 2023 introduced a shift toward Zeekr’s proprietary driver-assistance systems, powered by NVIDIA Drive Orin chips.

The brand has clarified that it will continue leveraging both Mobileye and NVIDIA technologies to refine and expand its intelligent driving capabilities. This dual approach allows Zeekr to integrate the best of both systems for its advanced vehicles.

The Future of Autonomous Taxis

The Zeekr RT, a sibling to the Zeekr Mix, is currently undergoing rigorous road tests and will become the world’s first mass-produced dedicated autonomous vehicle. The company plans to deliver these vehicles to Waymo in 2025 for further testing, paving the way for public autonomous taxi services.

Advanced Collaboration with Qualcomm

In addition to its partnership with NVIDIA, Zeekr announced an extended collaboration with Qualcomm. Future models will feature Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon cockpit platform, offering enhanced computational power. These upgrades will include advanced navigation, improved voice interaction, innovative eye-tracking systems, and immersive entertainment experiences.

The Snapdragon platform will also support over-the-air (OTA) updates and personalized user interfaces, ensuring a cutting-edge driving experience.

Global Charging Network Expansion

Zeekr revealed an ambitious strategy to establish a global fast-charging network. The brand plans to deploy thousands of Zeekr-branded charging stations in key international markets, including Thailand and Australia. This initiative underscores Zeekr’s commitment to supporting its electric vehicle ecosystem with robust infrastructure.