(Reuters) - Lynk & Co debuted its new battery-electric 02 vehicle in Europe on Friday as the Chinese-Swedish brand looks tap into new markets and boost sales.

The introduction of the 02 to the European market comes at a challenging time for automakers who are currently struggling with weak demand for electric vehicles in major markets like China and U.S as well as hefty tariffs on China-made electric vehicles.

The 02 model will start at 35,495 euros ($38,799.58) and be available for online sales in the continent from Friday.

"We are expanding our business model, growing our product portfolio, and venturing into new markets," said Lynk & Co International's CEO, Nicolas López Appelgren.

Despite heavy tariffs that have caused other automakers to adjust their manufacturing and distribution strategies, Appelgren said last month that the company does not plan on raising prices.

The company - co-owned by Geely and Volvo Cars - currently sells and rents its older plug-in hybrid SUV in several European markets and is in negotiations with retailers to put its cars in showrooms by the end of the year.

Lynk & Co plans to launch a new plug-in hybrid vehicle next year and expand its sales among fleet buyers, who account for the majority of electric vehicle purchases in continental Europe.

($1 = 0.9148 euros)

(Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid)