We drove the link & Co 02 electric: Potential for a new hit

The Chinese Link & Co brand made a grand entrance into Europe, but in the year and a half it has been available in Israel, it has failed to stand out. Despite its connection to Volvo, which, like Link, is owned by the giant Chinese company Geely, and despite the extraordinary buzz surrounding the Zeekr brand derived from it, the Israeli public overlooked Link & Co and jumped to the next electric vehicle. Currently, only 823 units are registered with the Transport Ministry, compared to 960 of the equivalent Wey models from Great Wall Motors.

The reasons for this are varied, but the main one relates to pricing. When Link & Co launched in Israel, it arrived with one model called 01 and only in a plug-in hybrid version. This was in January 2023, just after a tax increase (from 55% to 83%) that raised the prices of all plug-in hybrids in Israel by over NIS 10,000. Overnight, the plug-in option became too expensive in Israel, and various electric cars received a kick in the pants that propelled them to a situation where one in four new cars sold in Israel is electric.

It’s reasonable to assume that the Israeli market wasn’t the reason for the recalculation of the route for Geely’s premium tech division. After the initial promise to focus only on plug-in hybrid models, an electric model is on its way to us, set to launch next month, along with another model and a third plug-in hybrid. Just as importantly, there is also a promise for a more mainstream positioning and pricing that matches the new environment. Suddenly, a brand that until now has been almost anonymous has an intriguing local outlook.

02: The affordable version of Volvo, Smart, and Zeekr

The first model, called Z02 in China and 02 in Europe, is making its debut at the Paris Motor Show taking place right now and is expected to arrive in Israel next month. For those who see the model as a coupe version of the Zeekr X, it’s worth knowing that it’s not alone. Both Link & Co and Zeekr belong to Geely, and their connection doesn’t end with design. In fact, everything is identical except for the tuning of the steering systems, the tuning of the powertrain (engines and engine management computer), and the exterior and interior design, although in this case, there is much more than just resemblance.

The platform is the SEA2 of the Geely Group (short for Sustainable Experience Architecture) in its updated version, hence the suffix 2. This platform is tailored for small vehicles and serves a wide range of models within the Geely Group, including: Smart #1, Volvo EX30, Zeekr X, and more. Soon, we will be able to choose between four twin models, each waiting in a different dealership: Volvo and Link & Co at Meir, Zeekr at the Union Group, and Smart at CalMobil.

The driver’s environment is quite similar to that found in the Zeekr X and the rest of the group, which is indeed a positive remark. The appearance is nice and pleasant, the materials are high-quality and flattering, and the assembly is good. On the downside, this proximity will also create the same problems, as the complete absence of buttons makes operating the various systems while driving difficult. At least there is a small additional dashboard next to the multimedia screen, and Geely didn’t repeat Volvo’s (and Tesla’s) mistake.

The dimensions are similar to those of the other siblings, measuring 4.46 meters in length, 1.845 meters in width, 1.57 meters in height, and a wheelbase of 275.5 cm. Compared to the Zeekr X, the Z02 is one centimeter longer, while the differences in the other dimensions are less than that.

These are relatively generous dimensions that provide plenty of space both in the front and the back. The seats themselves are comfortable, with a slightly elevated position in the front as required, and good visibility outward, while the rear seat is slightly short, causing the knees to remain a bit elevated, which can be tiring over time. On the other hand, the rear area also features pleasant materials and nice equipment like two charging sockets or air conditioning vents cleverly positioned on the door pillars, rather than taking up space at the feet of the passengers.

As for the powertrains, you guessed it, they are similar to what exists in the rest of the group. It will only arrive in our market with a version that has a single electric motor, rear-wheel drive, 272 hp, and 35 kg/m of torque. From what little we managed to check, these numbers provide very brisk performance. The manufacturer’s figures are 5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a maximum speed of 180 km/h.

The 66 kWh battery registers an official range of 445 km, while in China, a different version is offered that provides higher energy efficiency from the same battery with an improved range of about 30 km. The rapid charging rate is decent, standing at up to 150 kW and 22 kW for slow charging.

The short course layout didn’t allow for much of a challenge for the car, and from the little that can be said, we conclude that the basic soft suspension will provide good comfort in most driving conditions, but there will be places where this softness will be too soft and lead to unnecessary rocking.

And equally important: In Europe, the price of the basic Z02 stands at €36,000, the same as the price of the basic BYD Atto 3 there. The Atto 3, for anyone who has been without a battery for the last three years, is the best-selling electric car in the country and the best-selling car overall, with a local starting price of NIS 168,500. At least in Europe, Geely positions the new car against the BYD crossover. If this pricing is maintained, there is potential here for a new bestseller, subject to tax updates in early 2025.

The plug-in hybrid on the way: 08 will benefit from the price increase of electric vehicles

At the end of the second quarter of 2025, Link & Co 08 will arrive—a large SUV that was presented to the world in March last year. It is based on the CMA platform, which also serves the Volvo XC40, but offers much larger dimensions similar to those of the Kia Sorento. The length is 4.80 meters, the width is 1.915 meters, the height is 1.685 meters, and the wheelbase is 285 cm.

Inside, the finish is nice, with large screens like a 15.4-inch multimedia screen, a 12.3-inch dashboard, and also a head-up display with augmented reality, but only five seats with no option for seven. This explains why there is so much space for passengers and luggage inside.

It is produced only in various plug-in hybrid versions with a 1.5-liter engine producing 161 hp, plus one or two electric motors, with the top version raising the combined output to 585 hp. There’s no shortage of performance for the large crossover, and the electric motors manage to easily overcome the long gears that seem to somewhat restrain the operation of the gasoline engine.

There’s also a choice between two very large batteries: One with a capacity of 21 kWh for a range of 120 km and another with 39.8 kWh for a range of 220-245 km, and these figures are according to the updated European WLTP standard, not the very lenient Chinese one. These batteries are significantly larger than what is offered in the plug-in hybrid models of competitors, hence the large range.

And there’s also a competitor to the Tesla Model S: meet the Z10

The Z10 model still lacks European certification, but Link & Co is likely to complete this process during the coming year. This model is essentially a twin of the Zeekr 001 and is the first electric model from Link & Co: A sedan with dimensions similar to the Tesla Model S, featuring a more advanced design.

It was unveiled a few months ago and offers slightly larger dimensions than the Zeekr 001, and is huge in itself, measuring 5.03 meters in length, 1.97 meters in width, 1.47 meters in height, and a wheelbase of 300.5 cm. The interior looks and feels great, offering plenty of space. The trunk is a bit limited due to design constraints, and its opening does not include the rear window.

The base version has a single electric motor, rear-wheel drive, and 272 hp; above it is a dual-motor version that adds a front motor for a combined output of 416 hp, and at the top is a particularly powerful version with 778 hp, 82.5 kg/m of torque, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

Unlike the Zeekr 001, which uses two batteries: LFP with a capacity of 95 kWh and NMC with a capacity of 100 kWh, the Link & Co Z10 will use only the new LFP battery from the Geely Group with capacities of 71 kWh and 95 kWh. The range figures are measured by the less strict Chinese standards, and the manufacturer reports up to 600 km on a single charge.

Expanding Horizons

Electricity is the future, but not everywhere is adopting it at the same pace, which is why Link & Co is just now entering the electric vehicle world. This isn’t due to feasibility—everything is available on Geely's vast model shelf—but rather a matter of strategy.

The direction is not always clear at first, and often to avoid positioning confusion and model cannibalization, the strategy is updated on the go. A prime example of this can be seen here, as Link & Co’s concept models have turned into production models for the Zeekr brand.

Geely still has much work to do in defining the character and differentiation of each brand. In the case of Link & Co, the current direction looks promising. When Link & Co was established in 2016, there was talk of its proximity and connection to Volvo in product development, interior quality, and the use of advanced safety systems. This created a good and high-quality image accompanied by relatively high positioning and pricing. However, since then, Zeekr was born to occupy the technological advancement niche, while Link & Co adopted a slightly different, more family-oriented approach. To cater to a broader audience, it is offered in various powertrains: Gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and electric.

This new positioning is reflected directly in pricing. For example, in China, the Link & Co Z10 is slightly cheaper than the Zeekr 001, and although there is no price yet, the aim is similar for the 02 compared to the Zeekr X. Furthermore, the importer promises to be very competitive in pricing in Israel, which means creating a significant gap from the Zeekr X, currently starting at NIS 185,000. If the 02 costs in Europe like the BYD Atto 3, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be priced around NIS 170,000 in Israel, the cost of a family gasoline crossover.

A final word about the plug-in hybrid: The State of Israel plans a dramatic increase in the purchase tax on electric vehicles in January 2025, which could change the equation so that plug-in hybrid models will be cheaper than fully electric ones. This could help the 01, which is still sold in Israel, and the 08, expected to arrive around mid-next year for those looking for a hybrid vehicle but not wanting a fully electric one.

Technical Side: Link & Co 02

• Motor: Electric, 272 hp
• Transmission: Automatic direct transmission, rear-wheel drive

Dimensions:

• Length (m): 4.46
• Width (m): 1.84
• Height (m): 1.57
• Wheelbase (m): 2.75
• Trunk (liters): 440

Electricity:

• Battery (kWh): 66 kWh
• Fast charging (kW): 150
• Slow charging (kW): 22

Performance (Manufacturer):

• 0-100 km/h (seconds): 5.5
• Top speed (km/h): 180
• Range (km): 445

Safety:

• Euro NCAP crash test: Not yet tested
• Active safety: Autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure correction, dead zone vehicle warning, rearview camera

The author was a guest of Link & Co in China.