The Zeekr 001 YOU Edition is a flagship shooting brake that defies expectations, delivering 3.3s 0-100 km/h acceleration in a luxury package. Equipped with Brembo 4-piston calipers from the factory, it has solid foundations. However, the heavy steel rotors are the bottleneck for both unsprung weight and thermal endurance on such a heavy, fast EV. This case study details the StopFlex Carbon-Ceramic rotor upgrade—the most effective way to sharpen the 001's dynamics.
The Struggle
For the performance EV enthusiast, standard brakes compromise the experience in three ways:
- Regen Rust: EVs use regenerative braking for most deceleration. This leaves iron rotors unused, leading to surface rust, grinding noises, and unsightly corrosion rings behind your wheels.
- Unsprung Mass: Heavy iron rotors act as anchors on the suspension, reducing the car's ability to filter out high-frequency road noise and dulling steering response.
- Thermal Fade: In emergency stops or spirited driving, the immense kinetic energy of a 2.3-ton EV can heat soak iron rotors instantly, leading to a soft pedal.
Technical Specification
This is a Direct-Fit Rotor Upgrade designed to work perfectly with the factory Akebono 4-piston calipers (often branded as Brembo or Akebono depending on market/year), fitting inside the factory 21-inch/22-inch wheels.
| Vehicle | Zeekr 001 YOU Edition |
|---|---|
| Front Hardware | Factory Akebono 4-Piston + 410mm CCB |
| Rear Hardware | Factory Floating Caliper + 380mm CCB |
| Weight Saving | ≈ 30 kg (66 lbs) Total Reduction |
| Pad Material | StopFlex Silent Ceramic Compound |
Compatibility Redline
This rotor-only swap is strictly engineered for Zeekr 001 models equipped with the factory Fixed 4-Piston Front Calipers (typically Akebono, silver/grey). It is designed to replace the standard 410mm iron rotors. This kit is NOT compatible with base models running smaller floating front calipers.
Engineering Validation
1. Corrosion-Proof & Silent
StopFlex rotors feature a proprietary ceramic top coat that is chemically inert. Unlike iron rotors that rust after a single car wash or rain shower, these rotors remain pristine and silent. This eliminates the "morning grind" common in EVs and keeps the braking surface consistent.
2. "Magic Carpet" Ride Quality
Reducing unsprung mass is the holy grail of suspension tuning. By shedding approx. 30 kg of rotating weight, the 001's air suspension can react faster to bumps. The result is a smoother ride, reduced impact harshness, and a steering feel that is noticeably lighter and more precise.
3. Fade-Proof Confidence
StopFlex carbon-ceramic rotors have a thermal capacity far exceeding iron. Even when arresting the 2.3-ton Zeekr from top speed, the brakes remain consistent and powerful. This provides a critical safety margin that regenerative braking alone cannot offer.
4. Range Efficiency
Reducing rotational mass (moment of inertia) means the electric motors require less energy to accelerate and decelerate the wheels. While subtle, this reduction in rotating weight contributes to improved overall efficiency and range, maximizing the utility of the 100kWh battery.
Installation Gallery
In-Depth Zeekr 001 FAQ
Q: Why upgrade the rotors if the factory calipers are already good?
The factory Akebono 4-piston calipers are excellent, rigid units. The limitation is the heavy iron rotor, which is prone to rust and adds unsprung weight. This "OEM+" upgrade is the smartest way to improve performance: you keep the reliable factory hydraulics and electronics while upgrading the friction surface to elite supercar standards.
Q: Does this upgrade affect the car's driving range?
Yes, positively. Reducing rotational mass (approx. 30kg total) lowers the moment of inertia for the wheels. This means the electric motors use less energy to accelerate the car, contributing to a marginal but measurable improvement in efficiency and range.
Q: Will this fit under my factory 21-inch wheels?
Yes. The 412mm front and 397mm rear rotors are designed to match the dimensions of the factory brake setup, ensuring perfect clearance within OEM 21-inch and 22-inch wheels.
Q: Does this eliminate brake noise?
Yes. A major source of brake noise in EVs is the surface rust on iron rotors grinding against the pads. StopFlex rotors are corrosion-proof, eliminating this rust layer and ensuring smooth, silent braking from the first stop of the day.
Q: What is the lifespan of these rotors?
Because EVs rely heavily on regen for deceleration, physical wear on the carbon rotors is extremely low. For a Zeekr 001, these rotors are effectively a "lifetime" component, capable of exceeding 300,000 km while staying rust-free.
