NAIROBI, Kenya- The electric vehicle (EV) industry is no stranger to bold claims, but when Chinese carmaker Zeekr steps into the spotlight with a battery charging speed that rivals—and potentially outpaces—Tesla, the world takes notice.
Zeekr’s latest breakthrough promises to charge its 2025 007 sedan from 10pc to 80pc in a blistering 10 and a half minutes.
For context, Tesla’s Model 3, the current industry leader, can only cover 175 miles after a 15-minute charge, which is slightly under half of its full range.
Zeekr’s leap in battery technology isn’t just marketing bluster. According to Tu Le, founder and managing director of Sino Auto Insights.
“These bold claims by Zeekr are believable, but more importantly, even if it’s not the fastest charging EV battery, being one of the fastest is still quite a leap for them,” Tu said.
This advancement sets a new benchmark, signaling that Tesla’s reign over fast-charging technology might be nearing its end.
Adding to its appeal, Zeekr’s battery is engineered to perform even in harsh conditions. The company claims it can charge from 10pc to 80pc in under 30 minutes at temperatures as low as -10°C. That’s a significant advantage for EV owners in colder climates, where battery efficiency often drops.
Zeekr’s technological advancements come at a critical juncture.
The brand, owned by Chinese automotive giant Geely—which also owns UK-based luxury sports car brand Lotus and Sweden’s Volvo—made headlines when its shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in May.
This marked the first significant US market debut by a Chinese company since 2021, just days before the Biden administration imposed major tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars, solar panels, and other goods.
These tariffs, which include a 100pc border tax on EVs from China, are seen as a move to protect US jobs and counter “unfair policies.”
The growing concerns among US, European Union, and other global markets about the rapid expansion of Chinese EV companies add a layer of complexity to Zeekr’s bold market entry.
As the competition intensifies, the real question remains: Can Zeekr’s new battery technology give it the edge it needs to carve out a significant share in the global EV market? Only time will tell.
