If this is true, EV charging may finally be viable enough to rival refuelling
Zeekr has unveiled upgraded electric vehicle (EV) batteries that support an impressive 5.5C ultra-fast charging, enabling vehicles to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 10 and a half minutes. This significant advancement alleviates range anxiety for customers, making EV ownership much more convenient.
The breakthrough in charging speed comes with Zeekr’s new 007 sedan, which features lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and utilises Zeekr’s V3 ultra-fast charging stations. This new technology outperforms traditional nickel-cobalt-manganese batteries, showcasing the innovative capabilities of Zeekr’s in-house e-powertrain research and development team.
Moreover, enhanced battery management systems (BMS) ensure that the charging experience remains stable and efficient, even under extreme conditions. For instance, the 007 sedan can charge from 10 to 80 Percent state of charge (SOC) in just 30 minutes at temperatures as low as -10°C, providing users with reliable performance regardless of environmental factors.
Currently, Zeekr has established a robust infrastructure with over 500 ultra-fast charging stations across China, featuring more than 2,700 charging piles capable of 800V charging. The company aims to expand this network to 1,000 ultra-fast charging stations by 2024 and plans to operate over 10,000 charging piles by 2026.
In addition to advancements in charging technology, Zeekr also introduced the urban Navigation Zeekr Pilot (NZP) assist driving functions during Zeekr Tech Day. This feature provides intelligent driving assistance specifically designed for urban navigation. The NZP is set to begin deliveries at the end of August.
On top of that, it works in tandem with Eva, Zeekr’s AI-driven in-car assistant, enhancing the driving experience by offering situational awareness and tailored suggestions for users. Together, these developments position Zeekr as a leader in EV technology, focusing on user-friendly features and extensive charging infrastructure.
With its innovative batteries, robust charging network, and advanced driving assistance systems, Zeekr is committed to making electric driving more accessible and enjoyable for its customers. As it stands now, charging an EV simply takes too long compared to refuelling an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, so it is good to see Zeekr try to change that.
