While debates over electric vehicle (EV) policies continue to shape the automotive landscape in the United States, China has fully embraced electrification. The country is rapidly phasing out gasoline-powered cars and is at the forefront of EV technology development. One of the key players driving this transformation is Zeekr, a brand under Geely Group. Known for producing high-tech electric vehicles such as the Zeekr 001 crossover, 007 sedan, and 009 MPV, the company is also making groundbreaking advancements in battery and charging technology.
Zeekr’s Innovative Battery Technology
Zeekr’s vehicles are built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), which is shared by other Geely-owned brands, including Volvo and Polestar. However, what truly sets Zeekr apart is its cutting-edge battery technology. The company has developed what it claims to be the world’s fastest-charging EV battery, called the Golden Battery.
The Golden Battery supports an impressive 5.5 C-rate, meaning it can charge or discharge at 5.5 times its total capacity per hour. To put this into perspective, a 1C rate means a battery takes an hour to charge fully. A 2C rate halves that time to 30 minutes. By contrast, Tesla’s Model S, during testing, peaked at a 2.5C rate. This makes Zeekr’s new battery a significant leap forward, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes.
Real-World Performance: Zeekr 7X Charging Test
To validate Zeekr’s claims, automotive reviewer Kyle Conner from Out of Spec Reviews tested the Golden Battery in a Zeekr 7X SUV at a high-powered charging station in China. The vehicle was equipped with a 75-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, which offers up to 615 kilometers (382 miles) of range based on China’s CLTC testing cycle.
Conner drained the battery to 0% and charged it at a Zeekr-owned 840-kilowatt station. Unlike traditional nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries, which reach peak charging speeds early and then gradually slow down, LFP batteries maintain a steady charge rate for a longer duration. The Zeekr 7X demonstrated an aggressive charging pattern right from the start.
At just 3% state-of-charge (SoC), the vehicle was already pulling 200 kW. As the charge level increased, the power surged beyond 400 kW and peaked at 460 kW before stabilizing at around 400 kW. The entire charging process, from 0% to 100%, took just over 22 minutes. Key milestones in the test included:
- 0-70% in 10 minutes
- 10-80% in 9 minutes and 45 seconds
- 0-100% in just over 22 minutes
The efficiency of this charging process was equally impressive. The vehicle added approximately 600 km (371 miles) of range for just $13 (93 yuan), making it nearly as fast and affordable as refueling a gasoline-powered car. Moreover, the charging speed translated to about 1,270 miles of range per hour, or roughly 21 miles per minute.
Zeekr’s Vertical Integration Advantage
One of Zeekr’s biggest strengths lies in its deep vertical integration. Unlike many automakers that rely on third-party suppliers for battery technology, Zeekr has developed the Golden Battery entirely in-house—from research and development to design, engineering, and production. This allows the company to optimize every aspect of its EVs for better performance and efficiency. Additionally, Zeekr operates its own charging network, which, while not as extensive as Tesla’s Supercharger network, offers unparalleled speeds that remain unmatched in markets like the United States.
The Competitive Landscape: China vs. the U.S.
While the U.S. has seen improvements in EV charging speeds, with models like the Lucid Air, Chevy Silverado EV, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offering fast-charging capabilities, China’s advancements remain ahead of the curve. The difference is not just in technology but also in government support. Strong policies in China are accelerating EV adoption and infrastructure development, allowing companies like Zeekr to push innovation further.
By contrast, political shifts in the U.S. impact the country’s EV strategy. With the Trump administration’s stance against aggressive EV incentives, America risks falling further behind in the global race for electrification. If Western automakers hope to keep pace with China, they will need to make substantial investments in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and policy advocacy.
The Future of EV Charging
Zeekr’s achievements highlight what the future of EV charging could look like. If these ultra-fast charging speeds become widespread, EVs will eliminate one of their biggest drawbacks—long charging times—making them an even more viable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. As China continues to push the boundaries of EV technology, the rest of the world may soon need to catch up or risk being left behind in the electrification revolution.