Chinese car maker Zeekr claimed that its latest electric vehicle (EV) batteries charge faster than those of any of its competitors, including industry giants Tesla and BYD. The company announced that its upgraded batteries could be charged from 10% to 80% capacity in just 10 and a half minutes using its ultra-fast charging stations.
In comparison, Tesla’s Model 3, as stated by Elon Musk’s company, can cover 175 miles (282km) with a 15-minute charge, which is slightly less than half of the vehicle’s full range. Zeekr’s new 2025 007 sedan, set to launch next week, will be the first of the company’s vehicles to feature this innovative battery.
Zeekr also highlighted that the battery performs efficiently even in cold weather, charging from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes at temperatures as low as -10°C. BBC News reached out to Tesla and BYD for their responses to Zeekr’s announcement but did not receive an immediate reply.
Tu Le, the founder and managing director of Sino Auto Insights, commented that Tesla’s charging technology is no longer the industry leader and hasn’t been for some time. He added that Zeekr’s claims are credible, and even if their battery isn’t the absolute fastest, being among the fastest marks significant progress.
Mark Rainford, a China-based car industry commentator, noted the intense competition in China’s EV market. He explained that while brands like BYD focus on scale and sales, companies like Zeekr, Li Auto, and Nio are concentrating on optimizing the charging experience. He also pointed out that Zeekr’s parent company, Geely, is a vertically integrated business with the resources to push such advancements.
Geely, the owner of Zeekr, also holds several other brands, including the UK-based luxury sports car brand Lotus and Sweden’s Volvo. In May, Zeekr made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange, becoming the first major Chinese company to list in the US since 2021. However, the company’s shares are currently trading 27% below the price set during its initial public offering (IPO).
This listing came just days before the Biden administration imposed significant tariff hikes on Chinese-made electric vehicles, solar panels, steel, and other goods. The White House stated that these measures, which included a 100% border tax on Chinese EVs, were a response to unfair policies and aimed at protecting US jobs. Officials in the US, the European Union, and other major car markets have expressed growing concerns over the rapid expansion of Chinese EV companies into overseas markets.
Nneoma Udensi
Follow us on:
