Zeekr, a Chinese car manufacturer, claims that its latest electric vehicle (EV) batteries charge faster than competitors such as Tesla and BYD.
Using its ultra-fast charging stations, the company asserts that its upgraded batteries can reach 10% to 80% capacity in just 10.5 minutes. In contrast, Tesla, led by Elon Musk, states that a 15-minute charge enables its Model 3 to travel 175 miles (282km), which is slightly less than half of the car’s full range.
The 2025 007 sedan from Zeekr, set to be released next week, will be the first vehicle to feature the new battery technology. The company said the battery performs well even in cold weather, charging from 10% to 80% of its capacity in less than half an hour at temperatures as low as -10C.
Experts say Zeekr’s claims are plausible, adding that Tesla’s charging technology has not been the industry leader for some time.
“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 expert.
Zeekr’s shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in May, marking a Chinese company’s first significant entry into the US market since 2021.
The shares are trading 27% lower than the price set in its Initial Public Offering (IPO). The company was listed just before the Biden administration announced substantial tariff increases on Chinese-manufactured electric cars, solar panels, steel, and other products.
Authorities in the United States, the European Union, and other significant car markets have become more worried about the swift global growth of Chinese electric vehicle firms.