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Chinese manufacturer announces ultra-fast technology

Chinese carmaker Zeekr claims to have developed a revolutionary charging technology that can charge a battery from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes. The announcement could mark a major turning point in the electric vehicle industry and redefine the standards for electric mobility.

An unprecedented technological feat

Zeekr, a subsidiary of Chinese auto giant Geely, has unveiled a major innovation in the field of electric vehicle batteries. According to the company, its new technology would allow a battery to be recharged from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes and 30 seconds, using ultra-fast charging stations.

This performance, if confirmed, would represent a considerable leap forward compared to current technologies. For comparison, Tesla, the recognized market leader, announces a 15-minute recharge for a range of approximately 282 km on its Model 3. Zeekr thus claims to surpass all its competitors, including the Chinese giant BYD.

Performance maintained even in extreme cold

One of the highlights of this new technology would be its ability to maintain high performance even in harsh weather conditions. Zeekr assures that even at temperatures of -10ยฐC, the battery can be recharged from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. This feature could prove crucial for the mass adoption of electric vehicles in regions with harsh winters.

Imminent market launch

This cutting-edge technology will not remain a prototype for long. Zeekr plans to integrate it into its new model, the 2025 007 sedan, starting next week. This vehicle will be the first to benefit from this revolutionary battery, marking the beginning of a new era for the Chinese brand.

An intense competitive context

Zeekrโ€™s announcement comes amid fierce competition in Chinaโ€™s EV market. According to Mark Rainford, an expert on the Chinese auto industry, โ€œThe competition in China is incredibly fierce. While brands like BYD are focused on scale and sales, brands like Zeekr, Li, and Nio are focused on optimizing the charging experience.โ€

This strategy of differentiation through innovation could prove profitable for Zeekr, allowing it to stand out in an increasingly saturated market.

A strong group behind innovation

The credibility of this announcement is reinforced by the stature of the Geely Group, Zeekr's parent company. Geely, which also owns renowned brands such as Volvo and Lotus, has the resources to carry out large-scale innovation projects. This vertical integration within the Geely Group could be a major asset for Zeekr in the development and commercialization of its battery technology.

Challenges to be met in the international market

Despite this promising technological advance, Zeekr faces significant challenges on the international scene. The company, listed in the United States since last May, currently sees its shares trading 27% below their IPO price.

This difficult stock market environment is part of a tense geopolitical environment. Trade tensions between China and Western countries, particularly the United States and the European Union, could complicate Zeekrโ€™s international expansion. The EUโ€™s recent announcement of significant tariffs on Chinese electric cars, as well as similar measures taken by the United States, represent potential obstacles to the companyโ€™s growth outside China.

Zeekrโ€™s innovation in fast charging represents a significant step forward for the electric vehicle industry. If this technology delivers, it could help remove one of the main obstacles to the mass adoption of electric cars: charging time.

However, Zeekr's success will depend not only on its ability to industrialize this technology at scale, but also on its ability to navigate a complex geopolitical environment. The company will have to meet the challenge of international expansion while facing increasing trade barriers.

In any case, this announcement is a testament to the dynamism and innovative capacity of the Chinese automobile industry. It could well mark the beginning of a new era in the technological race for electric vehicles, pushing other players in the market to accelerate their own research and development efforts.