Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand Zeekr is making headlines with a bold claim: their new batteries can charge from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes. This groundbreaking charging speed is set to debut in the 2024 Zeekr 007 electric sedan, positioning it as a leader in the EV market.
A New Benchmark in Charging Speed
Zeekr, a relatively new brand under the Chinese automotive giant Geely—also the parent company of Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus—has introduced batteries that promise the fastest charging rates in the world. According to Zeekr, these batteries can charge from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes at normal temperatures. Even in colder conditions, as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, the batteries can still achieve a 10%-80% charge in 30 minutes, thanks to an enhanced battery management system.
This speed is particularly significant when compared to the current fastest-charging EVs available in the U.S., which typically take between 18 to 22 minutes to achieve the same 10%-80% charge. Zeekr’s advancement could drastically reduce charging times, making EVs more convenient for long road trips and everyday use.
The Zeekr 007: Leading the Charge
The first vehicle to feature this new battery technology is the Zeekr 007 sedan, which begins deliveries this month. The 007 joins Zeekr’s lineup, which already includes the 001 hatchback, 009 minivan, and Zeekr X crossover. This expansion demonstrates Zeekr’s commitment to innovation and its ambition to become a significant player in the global EV market.
The Technology Behind the Speed
Zeekr’s impressive charging performance is achieved through the use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry, a popular choice in China and increasingly adopted by global automakers like Tesla and Ford. LFP batteries are known for their safety, longevity, and cost-effectiveness, but Zeekr claims to have optimized the materials and technology to push the limits of charging speed.
While Zeekr’s claims are ambitious, they are not alone in pushing the boundaries of LFP technology. Chinese battery manufacturer CATL also announced in 2023 that their next-generation LFP batteries could add 250 miles of range with just 10 minutes of charging. This suggests that the race for faster, more efficient EV charging is heating up, with significant implications for the future of electric mobility.
The Infrastructure to Match
Achieving such rapid charging also requires robust infrastructure. Zeekr has already opened 500 fast-charging stations across China that support 800-volt charging, offering over 2,700 individual connectors. The company has ambitious plans to expand this network, aiming to establish over 1,000 charging stations by the end of this year and to have more than 10,000 connectors in operation by 2026. This network will be crucial in supporting the fast-charging capabilities of Zeekr’s vehicles and ensuring that drivers can take full advantage of the technology.
A Glimpse into the Future
Zeekr’s claim of the world’s fastest EV charging is not just a technical achievement; it represents a significant step forward in making electric vehicles more practical and appealing to a broader audience. As charging times continue to decrease and infrastructure improves, the adoption of EVs is likely to accelerate, bringing us closer to a future where electric vehicles are the norm rather than the exception.
