Chinese automaker Zeekr has stunned the EV world with its latest breakthrough—the Golden Battery, which can charge from 10-80% in just 9 minutes. This revolutionary technology, showcased in the Zeekr 7X SUV, is pushing the limits of EV charging speed, making it a potential game-changer for the industry.
What Makes the Zeekr Golden Battery So Fast?
The Golden Battery utilizes lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) prismatic cells, designed to support ultra-fast charging at a 5.5C rate. To put this in perspective, a Tesla Model S previously peaked at 2.5C, making Zeekr’s battery more than twice as efficient in charge rate capability.
Key performance highlights:
- 10-80% charge in 9 minutes
- Peak charging power of 460 kW
- Added 600 km (371 miles) of range in just over 22 minutes
- Charging rate equivalent to 1270 miles per hour
Real-World Testing and Results
The Zeekr 7X SUV was put through rigorous real-world testing by EV expert Kyle Conner. Starting from 0% battery, the vehicle charged at an 840 kW Zeekr-owned charging station, quickly ramping up to over 400 kW within minutes.
The results were astonishing:
- 0-70% charge in 10 minutes
- 10-80% in just under 9 minutes 45 seconds
- Full charge (0-100%) in 22 minutes
For just $13 AUD (93 yuan), the vehicle added an impressive 600 km of range, making it a direct competitor to traditional petrol refueling speeds.
How Does This Compare to Current EVs?
While Tesla, Lucid, and Hyundai have developed fast-charging EVs, none have reached Zeekr’s charging efficiency. Here’s how it stacks up:
| EV Model | 10-80% Charge Time | Max Charging Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Zeekr 7X | 9 minutes | 460 kW |
| Tesla Model S | 20 minutes | 250 kW |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 18 minutes | 350 kW |
| Lucid Air | 21 minutes | 300 kW |
What This Means for Australia
As EV adoption accelerates in Australia, charging speed remains a critical factor for widespread acceptance. While Zeekr’s charging network is currently limited to China, the possibility of expansion into Australia’s EV market could revolutionize charging infrastructure, reducing long recharge times that have often been a pain point for EV owners.
With charging times approaching petrol refueling speeds, could the Zeekr Golden Battery be the innovation that propels EV adoption in Australia? Time will tell, but the implications are significant.
