Imagine this: You pull up to charge your electric vehicle, and in less time than it takes to grab a coffee, your battery is back to 80%! That's the reality with the refreshed Zeekr 001, a Chinese EV that's redefining fast charging.
This isn't just a minor upgrade; it's a game-changer. Thanks to some clever engineering, this sleek fastback can charge at speeds that leave current EV charging times in the dust. In fact, the Zeekr 001 can go from 10% to 80% in under seven minutes!
Now, you might be wondering, "What is Zeekr?" Well, it's a brand under the Geely Group, the same company that owns Polestar, Lotus, and Volvo. While the Zeekr 001 hasn't made its way to the United States, and has only seen limited sales in Europe, its charging capabilities are turning heads.
The original 001 debuted in 2021, and with a second tech update in 2024, its 800-volt battery could charge at over 500 kilowatts, achieving the 10% to 80% charge in just 12 minutes. That's already faster than anything available in the US today, where the Lucid Gravity holds the current speed record, taking 27 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%.
But here's where it gets even more impressive: the latest refresh. A recent video showcases the Zeekr 001's incredible speed. Using a 95-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a megawatt charging stall, the car's power input immediately surges past 500 kW, peaking at a staggering 1,321 kW. Going from 4% to 10% takes approximately one second!
After just ten seconds of charging, the car hits its peak power, with a maximum voltage of 894V and a current of 1,488A. The charging continues smoothly, reaching 50% in about three minutes and 80% in just six and a half minutes. With a nearly full battery, the car displays an estimated range of 353 miles (568 kilometers) based on the CLTC testing procedure. While the EPA estimate would likely be around 250 miles, that's still remarkable for such a quick charge.
And the charging doesn't stop there! A full charge from 4% takes just 13 minutes and 23 seconds, providing an advertised range of 441 miles (710 km) on the CLTC cycle.
But here's a thought: Does it make sense to fully charge an EV on a road trip, considering how much slower the charging becomes as the battery nears 100%? The Zeekr 001's charging time nearly doubled to reach 100%.
Having such a fast-charging EV is a huge step forward, but it also highlights the need for powerful DC fast chargers. While the US and Europe are catching up with 350 kW stalls, China is leading the way with megawatt-capable stations.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: Do you think this level of charging speed is the future of EVs? What are the potential challenges and benefits of such rapid charging? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
