The new electric vehicle from Zeekr features a 'golden battery' that charges from 10% to 80% in just nine minutes, making it the fastest in the world.
It is not limited to operating in a laboratory, and Zeekr will demonstrate it.
The Zeekr 7X SUV model has been one of the first electric vehicles to incorporate the new battery technology called "Golden Battery." This technology enables fast charging that can add over 300 miles of range in just a few minutes. Recently, journalists have had the opportunity to experience this rapid charging firsthand.
In 2023, Zeekr announced its innovative battery that promises to provide around 500 km (approximately 310 miles) of range in just 15 minutes. This technology is already available in the 7X SUV, whose performance has been significantly improved, achieving a charge from 10% to 80% in just 9 minutes and 45 seconds.
Kyle Connor, host of the YouTube channel Out Of Spec Reviews, conducted a test on the 7X SUV, depleting its 75 kWh lithium phosphate battery to zero and charging it at one of Zeekr's public charging stations. This station has a capacity of 840 kW, far exceeding the 350-400 kW stations being implemented in other parts of the world.
A video from Connor documents how the charging started at 200 kW and quickly reached 400 kW when it hit 10% charge. The charging power peaked at 460 kW before stabilizing at 400 kW for the remainder of the session. Theoretically, charging the battery from 0 to 100% would take 19 minutes, although most electric vehicle owners typically charge in the optimal range of 20% to 80%, where charging was completed in about 9 minutes and 45 seconds—a time comparable to refueling a gasoline vehicle.
For users, the 7X SUV is capable of adding approximately 21 miles of range for every minute of charging, which is ideal for those needing to extend their range quickly. Theoretically, just 4 minutes of charging can add nearly 85 miles.
This performance has been achieved thanks to Zeekr's advanced fast-charging network, which plans to expand to key markets such as Australia and Thailand. Furthermore, the LFP battery technology allows for charging at 5.5 C, meaning it can charge or discharge at 5.5 times its total capacity per hour without the risk of explosion.
On the other hand, despite the technological advances, commercial tariffs imposed by U.S. administrations, as well as by the UK and much of Europe, could restrict access to these technological advancements, hindering the competitiveness of Chinese brands in other markets. However, these innovations from Zeekr exemplify China's remarkable leadership in battery and charging innovation.
Zeekr has already installed over 800 ultra-fast charging stations in China, with plans to continue expanding this infrastructure in the coming months. Consumer concern for products that can compete technologically is palpable, especially as traditional brands are expected to adapt to an electric future.
