- Zeekr claims a breakthrough with 10-minute charge from 10% to 80% for EV batteries.
- Maintains rapid charge times in colder temperatures as low as -10°C.
- Zeekr’s technology challenges Tesla and reshapes fast-charging competition
Chinese automaker Zeekr has declared what can only be called a breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) technology. In short, it now offers the world’s fastest-charging EV battery. Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely, alleges that its new battery can charge from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes, a speed that eclipses the likes of Tesla and BYD, also vying for dominance in charging technology.
Zeekr’s new battery will debut in the 2025 Zeekr 007 sedan, launching next week. The company claims this battery can outperform Tesla’s Model 3, which charges 175 miles (282 km) of range in 15 minutes. Zeekr’s technology, however, is said to charge nearly the same range in just over 10 minutes. Additionally, and critically for colder climates such as ours, Zeekr emphasizes that the battery’s performance in extreme cold is still impressive, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes at temperatures as low as -10°C.
Zeekr’s announcement places it in direct competition with Tesla, which has traditionally been the leader in fast-charging technology. However, analysts like Tu Le of Sino Auto Insights suggest Tesla’s dominance is fading, with newer players like Zeekr now catching up. Industry commentator Mark Rainford notes that while BYD focuses on scale, Zeekr, Li Auto, and Nio are prioritizing charging experience, a key factor in enhancing consumer satisfaction.
Zeekr’s success is closely tied to its parent company, Geely, which owns several prominent automotive brands, including Lotus and Volvo. Geely’s resources have enabled Zeekr to innovate rapidly in battery technology. Despite this, Zeekr faces challenges on the global stage. After its IPO earlier this year, Zeekr’s shares have dropped 27%, coinciding with rising trade tensions. The Biden administration’s recent tariff increases on Chinese-made EVs, and other goods could further complicate Zeekr’s efforts to expand into the North American and European markets.
Zeekr’s 10-minute fast-charge claim is significant. Most of us will agree that fueling up our ICEs takes roughly four to six minutes and let’s be honest, 10 minutes isn’t that far off the mark. The critical difference is that wherever we go to pump gasoline, the time period will always be the same. We’re still very far from this kind of reliability when it comes to fast charging. As well, the source story does not specify the required charging power to hit these numbers — we’re quite certain that even an “ultra-fast” 150 kW public charger won’t cut it.
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