Chinese car maker Zeekr is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) industry with its bold claim that its new batteries charge faster than any of its rivals, including industry leader Tesla. The company says its upgraded batteries can be charged from 10% to 80% capacity in just 10 and a half minutes using its ultra-fast charging stations.
In comparison, Tesla’s Model 3 takes 15 minutes to cover 175 miles (282km), which is less than half the car’s full range. Zeekr’s new 2025 007 sedan, set to be available next week, will be the first vehicle to feature the new battery technology.
According to Tu Le, founder and managing director of consultancy firm Sino Auto Insights, “Tesla’s charging technology is not industry leading anymore and has not been for some time. These bold claims by Zeekr are believable, and even if they are not the fastest charging EV battery, being one of the fastest is still a significant leap for them.”
Zeekr, owned by Chinese car making giant Geely, which also owns luxury sports car brand Lotus and Volvo, has been making headlines since its shares started trading on the New York Stock Exchange in May. This marked the first major US market debut by a Chinese company since 2021.
The announcement comes amidst growing concerns in major car markets about the rapid overseas expansion of Chinese EV companies. The Biden administration recently announced major tariff hikes on Chinese-made electric cars, including a 100% border tax, in an effort to protect US jobs and respond to what they see as unfair trade practices.
BBC News has reached out to Tesla for a response to Zeekr’s announcement, as the competition in the EV market continues to heat up. With Zeekr’s new fast-charging technology and impressive battery performance, the company is positioning itself as a strong contender in the electric vehicle industry.
