China firm claims world's fastest-charging EV battery

Zeekr, a company owned by the Chinese automotive giant Geely, has recently made headlines with its announcement regarding its new electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The company claims that its batteries can charge faster than any other batteries available in the market today, including those from industry leaders like Tesla and BYD. According to Zeekr, their upgraded batteries can go from 10% to 80% charge in just 10 and a half minutes when using their ultra-fast charging stations. This is a significant improvement compared to Tesla's Model 3, which can gain enough charge in 15 minutes to travel approximately 175 miles, which is just under half of the car's total range. The Zeekr 007 sedan, set to be available for purchase next week, will be the first vehicle to feature this new battery technology. One of the standout features of Zeekr's battery is its performance in cold weather. The battery can charge from 10% to 80% in less than half an hour even at temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. This is particularly important for consumers who live in colder climates and are concerned about battery performance in such conditions. The BBC has reached out to both Tesla and BYD to get their reactions to Zeekr's bold claims. Tu Le, the founder and managing director of Sino Auto Insights, a consultancy firm, shared his thoughts with the BBC, stating that Tesla's charging technology is no longer the industry leader and has not been for some time. He added that while Zeekr's claims are impressive, even if they are not the fastest charging EV battery, being one of the fastest is still a significant achievement for the company. The competition in the Chinese EV market is incredibly intense. While companies like BYD focus on scaling production and increasing sales, brands like Zeekr, Li Auto, and Nio are concentrating on enhancing the charging experience for their customers. Mark Rainford, a commentator on the car industry based in China, noted that Zeekr's parent company, Geely, is a vertically integrated business, meaning they have the resources and capabilities to develop and produce their own technology. Geely owns several other brands, including the luxury sports car brand Lotus from the UK and the well-known Swedish brand Volvo. In May, Zeekr's shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone as it was the first major US market debut by a Chinese company since 2021. However, the shares are currently trading 27% lower than the price set during its initial public offering (IPO). This listing occurred just days before the Biden administration announced substantial tariff increases on Chinese-made electric vehicles, solar panels, steel, and other goods. These measures, which include a 100% border tax on EVs from China, were implemented in response to concerns about unfair trade practices and are intended to protect American jobs. There is growing apprehension in the US regarding the rapid expansion of Chinese EV companies into international markets.