Chinese automaker Zeekr has unveiled an upgraded battery system that boasts unparalleled charging speeds. This cutting-edge technology, developed by Zeekr’s in-house e-powertrain research and development team, has set a new benchmark for the industry, leaving even industry giants like Tesla and BYD in its wake.
The Quick Overview
- New Tech – Zeekr’s upgraded LFP prismatic batteries.
- Charging Speed – 5.5C ultra-fast charging, from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes.
- First Model – 2025 Zeekr 007 sedan, deliveries start next week.
- Significance – Faster charging reduces range anxiety and enhances convenience.
- Extreme Conditions – Charges 10% to 80% in 30 minutes at -10°C.
- Infrastructure – Zeekr aims for 1,000 ultra-fast stations by 2024 and 10,000 charging piles by 2026.
- Additional -Urban Navigation Zeekr Pilot (NZP) with intelligent driving assistance launches in September.
The Need for Speed: Addressing Range Anxiety
One of the most notable challenges faced by EV owners is the dreaded “range anxiety” – the fear of running out of car battery power before reaching an EV charging station. Zeekr’s innovative solution aims to alleviate this concern by offering lightning-fast charging capabilities that significantly reduce downtime and enhance the overall driving experience.
The Zeekr 007: Spearheading the Charge
Introducing the Game-Changer
Zeekr’s 2025 007 sedan will be the initial model to feature the company’s upgraded lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries. These top-end advanced batteries are designed to support an astounding 5.5C ultra-fast charging rate, enabling the vehicle to charge from 10% to 80% state of charge (SOC) in a mere 10.5 minutes.
A Paradigm Shift in Charging Speeds
To put this remarkable achievement into perspective, consider that Tesla, one of the industry’s pioneers, boasts a charging time of 15 minutes to cover approximately 175 miles (282 km) on its Model 3 – a distance that represents less than half of the vehicle’s total range. Zeekr’s breakthrough technology effectively cuts charging times by more than half, setting a new standard for convenience and efficiency.
Optimized Materials and Advanced Technology
The secret behind Zeekr’s ultra-fast charging capabilities lies in the optimized materials and upgraded technology employed in the development of these batteries. By leveraging advanced engineering techniques, Zeekr has surpassed the performance of traditional nickel-cobalt-manganese batteries, ushering in a new era of EV battery innovation.
Defying Environmental Extremes
Uncompromising Performance in Harsh Conditions
Zeekr’s commitment to excellence extends beyond mere charging speeds. The enhanced battery management system (BMS) ensures that the charging experience remains stable and swift even in harsh environmental conditions. At temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius (-14 degrees Fahrenheit), the vehicles can still charge from 10% SOC to 80% SOC within a remarkable 30 minutes.
Expanding the Charging Infrastructure
A Comprehensive Network for Seamless Mobility
To complement its groundbreaking battery technology, Zeekr is actively expanding its charging infrastructure across China. Currently, the company operates over 500 ultra-fast charging stations equipped with almost 2,700 charging piles, all of which support 800V charging capabilities.
Ambitious Expansion Plans
Zeekr’s ambitious plans for the future include the establishment of 1,000 ultra-fast charging stations by 2024 and a staggering 10,000 ultra-fast charging piles by 2026. This extensive network will ensure that Zeekr owners can confidently embark on long-distance journeys without fear.
Intelligent Driving Assistance: The Urban Navigation Zeekr Pilot
Enhancing the In-Car Experience
In addition to its groundbreaking battery technology, Zeekr is also introducing the urban Navigation Zeekr Pilot (NZP) system, which offers intelligent driving assistance on urban roads with integrated navigation capabilities. This feature, scheduled for delivery starting in September 2023, will further enhance the driving experience for Zeekr owners.
Powered by AI
Zeekr’s in-car assistant, Eva, is powered by the company’s Kr AI model, evolving into a considerate driving companion that can anticipate situations and provide suggestions accordingly. This intelligent system aims to elevate the overall in-car experience.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Zeekr’s Vision for the Future
Zeekr, a premium electric mobility technology brand under the Geely Holding Group, is driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and equality. The company’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) encompasses its own battery technologies, its own battery management systems, company’s electric motor technologies, and electric vehicle supply chain, creating a fully integrated user ecosystem.
Global Expansion and Ambitious Roll-Out Plans
Since its inception in October 2021, Zeekr has delivered over 300,000 vehicles, including the Zeekr 001, Zeekr 001 FR, Zeekr 009 MPV, and Zeekr X urban SUV. With plans to expand into European, Latin American, and other Asian markets, Zeekr has an ambitious roll-out strategy to meet the rapidly growing global demand for electric vehicles over the next five years.
Zeekr’s introduction of ultra-fast charging batteries represents a significant milestone in the evolution of electric mobility. By addressing the long-standing issue of range anxiety and offering unparalleled charging speeds, Zeekr is poised to revolutionize the EV industry. To a sustainable future, innovations like these will play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and making them a viable and convenient choice for consumers worldwide.