The Zeekr 001 EV Now Charges from 10% to 80% in Less Than 12 Minutes

Updated Zeekr 001 EV Charges From 10 To 80% In Under 12 Minutes

The slow recharging speeds of Electric vehicles have long been a drawback for those considering a switch from traditional combustion engines to electric power. While the United States has seen improvements in its EV charging infrastructure over the years and is poised for further enhancement with more manufacturers gaining access to the Tesla Supercharger network, it still lags behind China in this regard.

Take, for example, the updated Zeekr 001 shooting brake, which boasts a new CATL-sourced battery, upgraded advanced driving assistance systems, and an 800-volt architecture resulting in a slightly stretched wheelbase. The standout feature of this new model is its Shenxing battery, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in just 11 minutes and 28 seconds, providing a range increase of almost 294 miles in that time.

The Shenxing battery is equipped with integrated temperature control technology, allowing for fast charging even in freezing conditions. During testing, the Zeekr 001 achieved a peak charging speed of 546.4 kW, maintaining a power input of over 540 kW between 10% and 35% state of charge before gradually decreasing to 250 kW.

But the impressive capabilities of the Shenxing battery don’t stop there. The manufacturer claims it takes less than 30 minutes to recharge to 80% at 14 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this battery is only available in the all-wheel drive version of the Zeekr 001, with other trims equipped with a more conventional 100-kWh NMC battery also made by CATL.

Notably, the Zeekr 001 isn’t the only ultra-fast-charging EV in China. The Li Auto Mega minivan can draw up to 521.2 kW from a compatible fast charger and add 310 miles of range in just 10 minutes. In comparison, the fastest-charging model in the US currently is the Hyundai Ioniq 6, boasting a charging rate of 868 miles per hour. The GMC Hummer EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV lead in kilowatt capabilities with their claimed 350-kW charging speeds.