Zeekr’s New EV Batteries Promise World’s Fastest Charging

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr 有 unveiled new battery technology that claims to offer the world’s fastest charging speeds, potentially addressing key consumer concerns about EV adoption. This development was reported by CNBC on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

Record-Breaking Charging Speeds

Zeekr’s new batteries can reportedly charge from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes when using the company’s ultra-fast charging stations. This impressive feat even extends to cold weather conditions:

“Zeekr said that the new battery could achieve the same charge performance even in negative 10 degree Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) weather in about 30 minutes.”

These charging speeds significantly outpace those of industry leader 特斯拉, whose Superchargers are said to provide up to 200 miles of range in 15 minutes.

Expanding Charging Infrastructure

To support this new technology, Zeekr is rapidly expanding its charging network in 中国:

• Over 500 ultra-fast charging stations currently operational
• Plans to double this number by the end of 2024
• Ambitious goal of 10,000+ stations by 2026

Zeekr 007: First to Feature New Batteries

The company’s 2025 007 sedan, slated for delivery next week, will be the first model equipped with these cutting-edge batteries. This launch aligns with Zeekr’s recent success in the Chinese EV market, having achieved record deliveries in June 2024.

Competing Solutions

While Zeekr focuses on ultra-fast charging, competitor Nio has taken a different approach with its battery swap service:

“Chinese automaker Nio has also offered the alternative of a three-minute battery swap. The subscription service automatically changes out the battery of designated car models with a charged one at specific swap stations.”

EVXL’s Take

Zeekr’s breakthrough in charging technology represents a significant step forward in addressing range anxiety and charging convenience – two major barriers to widespread EV adoption. This innovation could potentially accelerate the transition to electric mobility, not just in China but globally. As we’ve seen in recent Tesla developments, the race for faster charging and longer range continues to drive innovation in the EV sector. It will be interesting to see how other manufacturers respond to Zeekr’s claims and whether this technology can be scaled effectively across different markets and vehicle models.

Photo courtesy of Zeekr