In the ever-evolving landscape of China's electric vehicle industry, the race for faster charging capabilities is intensifying. Just weeks after Li Auto's Mega model impressed with its charging speed, the new Zeekr 001 has claimed the title of the fastest charging EV, at least in terms of peak power rate.
A Zeekr 001 equipped with a CATL Shenxing 95 kWh super-rechargeable battery achieved an astonishing feat. It charged from 10% to 80% in just 11 minutes and 28 seconds, adding an impressive 473 kilometers of range in the process. This remarkable achievement was made possible by using a Zeekr V3 supercharger (600 kW) at an ambient temperature of 26°C. The peak charging power reached an incredible 546.4 kW. Between 10 and 35% state of charge, the Zeekr 001 maintained a charging power of over 540 kW, increasing its range by 264 km in just 5 minutes and 432 km in 10 minutes.
The new CATL Shenxing battery features advanced temperature control technology, enabling superfast charging across a wide range of temperatures. Even in chilly conditions of -10°C, it can be charged to 80% within 30 minutes, ensuring optimal performance in various climates.
Zeekr aims to expand its charging infrastructure significantly this year. The company plans to build 1,000 ultra-fast charging stations, adding to the existing 900 Zeekr-operated charging stations with 2,483 chargers rated at 360 kW and above, out of a total of 5,490 chargers.
Launched in February, with deliveries beginning on March 1, the new Zeekr 001 represents a major upgrade to the car originally introduced in 2021. Key enhancements include changes to the platform and improved Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) capabilities, thanks to the addition of a roof-mounted Lidar unit.
Crucially, the car adopts the new Zeekr 800V platform, and the wheelbase is 6 mm longer at 3005 mm than the previous model. This 800V architecture plays a crucial role in supporting such fast charging capabilities.
Only the 4WD We version of the Zeekr 001 gets the 95 kWh Shenxing battery, a lithium iron phosphate unit from CATL. All other versions are equipped with a 100 kWh Kirin NCM battery, also from CATL. The Zeekr 001 range is priced between $37,500 and $45,800.
Zeekr is an all-electric vehicle brand from Geely, and the 001 was the brand's first model. Currently, the brand offers four models: the 001, 007, 009, and X. While already present in China and Europe, Zeekr is expanding its reach to other markets, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia, further solidifying its position in the global EV market.