Chinese automaker Zeekr said Wednesday that its new electric vehicle (EV) batteries charge faster than those of its rivals, including industry leaders Tesla and BYD.
According to the auto brand, its new batteries can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 10 and a half minutes at its ultra-fast charging stations. By comparison, Elon Musk’s Tesla says a 15-minute charge allows its Model 3 to travel 175 miles (282 km), just under half the car’s total range.
Zeekr's 007 2025, which will be available from next week, will be the first vehicle to be equipped with the new battery: the battery, the Chinese brand assures, works well even in cold climates, being charged from 10% to 80% of its capacity in less than half an hour at temperatures as low as -10°C.
“Tesla’s charging technology is no longer industry-leading and hasn’t been for some time,” Tu Lu, founder and managing director of consultancy Sino Auto Insights, told the BBC. “Zeekr’s bold claims are credible, but more importantly, even if it’s not the fastest charging EV battery, being one of the fastest is still a huge leap forward for them.”
“Competition in China is incredibly fierce, and while brands like BYD prioritize volume and sales, brands like Zeekr and Li [Auto] “Nio and Nio are focused on maximizing the charging experience,” said Mark Rainford, a China-based auto industry commentator. “Zeekr’s parent company, Geely, is a very vertically integrated company… They have the resources to do that” — remember, Geely owns several brands, including British luxury sports car maker Lotus and Swedish automaker Volvo.
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