A Zeekr 9X owner, Mr. Liu, experienced a frustrating issue with his vehicle when it locked him out for over 30 hours after leaving China. The plug-in hybrid’s fuel filler cap was locked, and the navigation system quit working as soon as he crossed into Kazakhstan.
The owner had planned a cross-continent trip from China to Europe in his 9X, but things took a turn for the worse when the vehicle’s security mechanisms kicked in. Zeekr explained that these mechanisms are meant to deter theft and smuggling, and they restrict certain functions, including the electronically operated fuel filler cap.
According to Zeekr, the security mechanisms trigger on-screen prompts and pop-up warnings, and they also restrict certain functions when the vehicle leaves China. The powertrain and brakes continue to operate normally, but it is not possible to open the fuel filler cap or charging port electronically.
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Instead, the owner has to hold the hazard light button inside the cabin for five seconds to open the fuel filler door, or apply direct and firm pressure to the charging flap to open it. Zeekr apologized for the issue and has since added a passcode generator to its companion app, letting owners create their own unlock codes after a cross-border lockout.
Zeekr has promised an over-the-air update with an opt-out toggle that turns cross-border lockouts off by default, sparing the owner a fresh authorization code every time he enters a new country. The company has also framed its revised approach as control by the user and protection by the manufacturer, saying that real safety shouldn’t be solely defined by the manufacturer.
The Zeekr 9X is a deeply luxurious SUV stuffed with technology, and this issue highlights the potential downsides of such advanced features. While the vehicle’s security mechanisms are meant to protect the owner, they can also cause problems when the owner is not aware of them.
This situation serves as a reminder that even the most advanced vehicles can be prone to issues when their security mechanisms are triggered. The experience of Mr. Liu is a case in point, where technology caused unintended consequences for a vehicle owner.
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Zeekr has already expanded into multiple countries, including Europe, where vehicles sold presumably skip these location-based restrictions. This is likely due to the fact that drivers in Europe often hop between countries in a single trip, and such restrictions would be impractical.
The company’s decision to add a passcode generator to its companion app and promise an over-the-air update with an opt-out toggle suggests that it is taking steps to address the issue and provide more control to its owners. As they continue to expand into new markets, it will be important to balance the need for security with the need for convenience and flexibility.
For now, Mr. Liu can continue his cross-continent trip, albeit with a greater understanding of his vehicle’s security mechanisms and their potential impact on his journey. The experience has likely been frustrating, but it has also highlighted the importance of clear communication between manufacturers and owners about the capabilities and limitations of their vehicles.