Lynk & Co Officially Debuts Its 02 Model With Up To 445 KM Of Range In Europe

Geely’s Lynk & Co brand has unveiled its first all-electric vehicle (EV) for the European market. The sleek, compact SUV, named the 02 in Europe and Z20 in China, made its debut in Milan, Italy on October 11, 2024.

Specifications and Features

According to Lynk & Co, the Lynk & Co 02 presents an impressive array of specifications. It offers a range of up to 445 km (around 277 miles) on a single charge, making it a viable option for long-distance travel. The starting price is set at €35,495 (around $38,800), providing competitive value in the EV market. In terms of dimensions, the 02 measures 4,460 mm in length, 1,845 mm in width, and 1,573 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,755 mm.

In terms of its specs, the EV is powered by a robust 250 kW electric motor, supported by a lithium iron phosphate battery composition. Additional key features include advanced driver assistance systems, a 15.4-inch high-definition touchscreen, dual wireless phone charging pads, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and interiors crafted from recycled materials.

Design and Development

The design of the Lynk & Co 02 aligns with the brand’s latest aesthetic language, showcasing a coupe-like silhouette complemented by a sloping roofline. It features full-width LED taillights and signature H-shaped LED daytime running lights that enhance its modern appeal. The semi-concealed door handles add to the sleek look, while the EV is offered with stylish five-spoke wheel options ranging from 18 to 19 inches.

Notably, the 02 was developed through an innovative collaboration between Lynk & Co’s existing 01 plug-in hybrid SUV customers and the company’s in-house design and engineering teams. Over 6,000 customer messages influenced the EV’s features, collected through the brand’s unique Co:lab in-car app.

Market Strategy and Challenges

The launch comes at a critical time, as the European Union (EU) recently voted to impose tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese-made EVs. Despite this, Lynk & Co’s parent company, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, seems undeterred in its international expansion plans.

Nicolas López Appelgren, CEO of Lynk & Co International, stated, “The all-new 02 represents the next phase for Lynk & Co. We are expanding our business model, growing our product portfolio, and venturing into new markets.”

Geely, which also controls Volvo AB and Lotus Cars Ltd., faces an 18.8% duty on top of the existing 10% tariff for itsEVs exported to Europe. This positions the company between competitors BYD (17% additional duty) and SAIC Motor Corp. (35.3% additional duty).

Industry Impact and Future Plans

The launch of the 02 signals a significant shift in Lynk & Co’s strategy, marking its entry into the all-electric vehicle market in Europe. The company plans a simultaneous launch in Europe and China, with the vehicle likely to be showcased at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November.

Notably, this move by Lynk & Co, along with similar strategies from other Chinese automakers like BYD (building a factory in Hungary) and Geely’s premium EV brand Zeekr (planning to utilize existing group resources for localized production), demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of Chinese EV automakers in the face of new trade challenges.

Read More: Lynk & Co Officially Launched Its Z10 EV With Up To 806 KM Of Range

As the EV market continues to evolve rapidly, the introduction of the Lynk & Co 02 represents not just a new product launch, but a test case for how Chinese automakers can navigate complex international trade landscapes while pushing forward with technological innovation and market expansion.

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