Zeekr Sets a New Benchmark for EV Charging Speed with LFP Batteries

Zeekr has introduced a significant advancement in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology with the release of its new 5.5C lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes. This record-setting charging speed is achieved by the Zeekr 007 sedan, representing a breakthrough in the company’s in-house battery development efforts.

The 5.5C ultra-fast charging rate is facilitated by a combination of advanced materials and an upgraded battery management system (BMS), according to Zeekr. These enhancements not only surpass the performance of traditional nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries but also ensure stability across a wide range of environmental conditions. Notably, the system maintains swift charging times, achieving 10% to 80% state of charge (SOC) in 30 minutes even at temperatures as low as -10°C.

The LFP energy density challenge

This development builds on the foundation laid by Zeekr’s previous battery technology development, unveiled in December 2023, which focused on integrating ultra-fast charging with high energy density. Zeekr’s LFP batteries were designed to counter the traditionally lower energy density associated with LFP technology, achieving a high volume utilization of 83.7% at the pack level. This improvement is credited by the company to meticulous engineering that includes new materials and a simplified structural design.

The 5.5C Batteries will first be featured in the 2025 Zeekr 7 sedan. Credit: Zeekr

The LFP battery packs have already undergone rigorous testing, including nail penetration tests conducted by the National Motor Vehicle Quality Inspection and Testing Center. This robust safety profile complements the performance benefits, positioning Zeekr’s batteries as a competitive option in the EV market.

Zeekr’s deployment of over 500 ultra-fast charging stations in China, equipped with 2,700 charging piles, further supports the practical application of these new batteries. The company has ambitious plans to double the number of stations by the end of 2024 and to reach 10,000 charging piles by 2026.

A young company

Zeekr is a relatively new and rapidly growing battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology company, founded in March 2021. It's a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, one of China's largest privately-owned automotive groups. Zeekr focuses on the development of next-generation premium BEVs, aiming to lead in electrification and automotive innovation. The company is known for its strong in-house research and development (R&D) capabilities, particularly in the areas of BEV architecture, hardware, and software.Zeekr's product lineup includes several models such as the Zeekr 001, a five-seater crossover, and the Zeekr 009, a luxury six-seater MPV. They have gained attention for their high energy density battery technologies, advanced safety features, and now, for their record-setting charging speeds.