Chinese car maker Zeekr claims that its new electric vehicle (EV) batteries charge faster than those of any competitors, including industry leaders Tesla and BYD.
The firm asserts that its upgraded batteries can be charged from 10% to 80% capacity in just 10.5 minutes using its ultra-fast charging stations.
In comparison, Elon Musk’s Tesla states that a 15-minute charge allows its Model 3 to cover 175 miles (282 km), a little under half the car’s full range.
Zeekr’s 2025 007 sedan, which will be available next week, will be the first vehicle to feature the new battery.
The battery also performs well in cold weather, charging from 10% to 80% capacity in less than half an hour at temperatures as low as -10°C, the company added.
BBC News has reached out to Tesla and BYD for a response to Zeekr’s announcement.
Tu Le, founder and managing director of consultancy firm Sino Auto Insights told the BBC: “Tesla’s charging technology is not industry leading anymore and has not been for some time.”
“These bold claims by Zeekr are believable, but more importantly even if it’s not the fastest charging EV battery, being one for the fastest is still quite a leap for them”.
“The competition in China is incredibly fierce and while brands like BYD prioritise scale and sales, brands like Zeekr, Li [Auto] and Nio are focused on maximising the charging experience,” said Mark Rainford, a China-based car industry commentator.
“Zeekr’s parent company, Geely, is pretty much a vertically integrated business… they have the resources to do this,” he added.
Geely, the parent company of Zeekr, owns several brands including UK-based luxury sports car brand Lotus and Sweden’s Volvo.
In May, Zeekr’s shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange, marking the first major US market debut by a Chinese company since 2021.
However, the shares are currently trading 27% below the price set in its initial public offering (IPO).
This listing occurred just days before the Biden administration announced significant tariff increases on Chinese-made electric cars, solar panels, steel, and other goods.
The measures, which included a 100% border tax on EVs from China, were stated by the White House to be 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 about the rapid overseas expansion of Chinese EV companies.
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