Zeekr’s Electric Vehicle Batteries Charge Faster Than Tesla and BYD
BEIJING — In a bold move, Chinese car maker Zeekr claims that its new electric vehicle (EV) batteries outshine industry leaders Tesla and BYD in terms of charging speed.
The firm boasts that its upgraded batteries can go from 10% to 80% capacity in just 10 and a half minutes at its ultra-fast charging stations.
Comparatively, Tesla’s Model 3 covers 175 miles (282km) with a 15-minute charge, which is less than half of its full range.
Zeekr’s highly anticipated 2025 007 sedan, set for release next week, will be the first vehicle to feature these cutting-edge batteries.
Even in frigid temperatures as low as -10C, the battery maintains its efficiency, charging from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes, the company confirmed.
BBC News has reached out to Tesla and BYD for their reactions to Zeekr’s announcement.
Tu Le, founder and managing director of consultancy firm Sino Auto Insights, expressed to the BBC, “Tesla’s charging technology is no longer leading the industry and hasn’t been for some time.”
“These bold assertions by Zeekr are credible, and even if they aren’t the fastest, being among the fastest is a significant advancement for them,” Le added.
“Competition in China is fierce, and while brands like BYD focus on scale and sales, companies like Zeekr, Li [Auto], and Nio prioritize enhancing the charging experience,” noted Mark Rainford, a China-based car industry commentator.
“Zeekr’s parent company, Geely, operates as a vertically integrated business… they possess the necessary resources to achieve this,” Rainford emphasized.
Geely’s portfolio includes renowned brands such as UK-based luxury sports car brand Lotus and Sweden’s Volvo.
Following its debut on the New York Stock Exchange in May, Zeekr’s shares are currently trading 27% below their initial public offering (IPO) price.
This listing coincided with the Biden administration’s announcement of significant tariff increases on Chinese-made electric cars, solar panels, steel, and other products.
The White House cited unfair policies and a desire to safeguard US jobs as reasons for implementing measures like a 100% border tax on Chinese EVs.
Growing concerns among officials in the US, the European Union, and other major car markets highlight the rapid expansion of Chinese EV companies overseas. — BBC
