Zeekr Unveils Fast-Charging Battery to Compete with Tesla
- Chinese EV maker Zeekr introduces new fast-charging batteries to compete with Tesla.
- Zeekr claims their batteries can charge faster than Tesla's, aiming for the fastest charging in the world.
- The electric car industry is witnessing a potential shift in battery technology competition.
BEIJING — Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr has announced the launch of new batteries that it claims offer the fastest charging capabilities in the world. According to the company, these batteries can charge from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes when connected to their ultra-fast charging stations. This announcement comes as Zeekr prepares to deliver its 2025 007 sedan, which will be the first model to utilize this advanced battery technology. In comparison, Tesla's Model 3 can recharge up to 175 miles in 15 minutes, which accounts for approximately 48% of its total range of 363 miles. Additionally, competitor Nio offers a battery swap service that allows users to replace their depleted batteries with fully charged ones in just three minutes at designated swap stations. Zeekr has made significant investments in its charging infrastructure, having already established over 500 ultra-fast charging stations across China. The company plans to double this number by the end of 2024 and aims to operate more than 10,000 such stations by 2026. Despite these advancements, Zeekr reported a slight decline in deliveries in July, highlighting the challenges faced in the competitive electric vehicle market. As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve, Zeekr's new battery technology could position the company as a formidable player, particularly with the upcoming launch of the 007 sedan.