Zeekr Europe CEO says brand is committed to the region despite tariffs and new cap on Chinese hybrid imports
By Eve
European and Chinese officials have announced a deal to cap Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports at 350,000 units a year, days before Zeekr Europe CEO Lothar Schupet spoke to InsideEVs at the Paris Auto Show. Zeekr already pays significant tariffs on EVs such as the 7X and is launching its 900-horsepower, ultra-luxury plug-in hybrid 9X. Schupet argued that the restrictions reflect Zeekr's success and that rivals are 'a little bit scared', while stressing the brand is long-term committed in Europe (InsideEVs disclosed that Geely, Zeekr's parent, paid for the author's travel to the show).
Why it matters
Continued Chinese brand investment in Europe despite tariffs and import caps points to a growing vehicle parc and sustained charging demand, including from plug-in hybrids. For CPOs and procurement teams, trade policy shifts may change the mix of vehicle types and charging requirements on the road, so network planning should account for that.
Source
- Original title
- “‘We Are Long-Term Committed In Europe’: Why Tariffs Won’t Scare Zeekr Off”
- Published
- 30 October 2026
- Updated
- 2 November 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Place
- Europe
- Tag
- Zeekr
Related news
Zeekr 7X gains power, range and a built-in dashcam for 2027, with Australian prices held from $57,900
Zeekr has updated its 7X electric SUV for 2027 in Australia, with prices holding at $57,900 before on-road costs for the entry model, $63,900 for the Long Range RWD and $72,900 for the Performance AWD. All three variants gain 25 kW, taking the rear-wheel-drive models to 335 kW and the dual-motor flagship to 500 kW, while the Long Range's 100 kWh battery now claims 627 km on the WLTP cycle, up 12 km. Zeekr says more than 23,000 Australian customers are driving a 7X, around one in five of the model's sales outside China, with orders open from 1 November and first arrivals expected in December.
Why it matters
A fast-selling, premium-priced EV with a larger battery and rising power output points to continued growth in the local fleet, which supports demand for reliable high-power public charging. Operators and procurement teams should note the model's volume outside China when planning site capacity and charger availability.
Camouflaged Toyota Corolla Cross, thought to be an EV, spotted on the road ahead of an expected 2027 debut
Electrek reports that a disguised prototype believed to be an electric Toyota Corolla Cross was seen driving near the automaker's European headquarters and research centre, with the images first published by China's Autohome. Electrek says the next Corolla generation will be the first to use Toyota's new multipathway platform, which is meant to support electric, hybrid, petrol and other powertrains, and that an electric version could have one or two motors and a range of at least 250 miles. Toyota has not confirmed battery or powertrain details or a US sales plan, while Nikkei reports production of the new generation is planned for 2028 through the FAW Toyota Motor joint venture in China.
Why it matters
A battery electric Corolla on a multipathway platform would put a very high volume nameplate into the EV market from around 2027, which could widen the base of mainstream drivers needing public and home charging. Details on battery size, charging speed and regional availability remain unconfirmed, so CPOs and procurement teams should treat any demand planning as provisional.
Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II for 2027 moves to NACS charging port in North America
Rolls-Royce has introduced the 2027 Spectre Series II, an update to the electric coupe first launched in 2022. According to EV Charging News Blog, it offers higher battery capacity, more driving range, faster charging and more power than the 2024 to 2026 model years, and North American cars switch from CCS1 to the NACS port. The input gives no specific figures for range, capacity or charging speed.
Why it matters
Another premium marque adopting NACS in North America adds to the shift away from CCS1, so CPOs and site developers should weigh native NACS connectors, or adapter support, in their charger specifications. Faster charging on ultra-premium vehicles also raises expectations for reliable high-power sites serving affluent drivers.