Zeekr 001 Update: The Chinese EV That Charges from 10% to 80% in 7 Minutes

Lightning-Fast Charging: A New Benchmark

You might not even have time to finish your coffee before this Chinese EV finishes charging. Zeekr, a premium electric brand under Geely Group—which also owns Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus—has unveiled a major update to its flagship fastback, the Zeekr 001.

First launched in 2021, the Zeekr 001 has now undergone a mid-lifecycle refresh that boosts both its design and its underlying technology. The headline figure? A charging time of just seven minutes to go from 10% to 80%, setting a new record in the global EV market.

Upgraded 900-Volt Platform for Ultra-Fast Charging

The 2025 Zeekr 001 moves from an 800-volt to a 900-volt electrical platform, unlocking charging speeds rarely seen even in Europe or the U.S. Equipped with a 95-kWh battery, the car can add up to 310 miles (500 km) of CLTC-rated range in just 7 minutes.

While that translates to roughly 200 miles under EPA testing, it’s still remarkable by any standard—especially for long-distance travel. Zeekr says this is made possible by 12C charging capability, meaning the battery can theoretically charge at twelve times its total capacity per hour. That equates to a staggering 1,140 kW peak power, though such output depends on charger availability.

Zeekr’s In-House “Golden Battery”

This charging feat relies on Zeekr’s proprietary LFP-based Golden Battery, developed in-house after years of research. Unlike traditional lithium-ion packs, this new chemistry enables extreme charging stability without overheating or excessive degradation.

For those who prioritize range over speed, Zeekr also offers a larger 103-kWh battery featuring CATL’s Qilin cells, delivering up to 503 miles (810 km) of range. It supports 6C charging, taking just 10 minutes to add 354 miles (570 km) of CLTC range—still faster than almost any EV sold outside China.

Power, Performance, and Speed

Beyond its charging upgrades, the Zeekr 001 also gets a serious performance boost. The top configuration now produces 912 horsepower, up from 777 hp previously. The result? A 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) sprint time of 2.83 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h).

That makes the 001 one of the quickest electric fastbacks on the road, rivaling supercars while offering real-world practicality. Combined with its sleek redesign, updated lighting, and improved interior tech, the new Zeekr 001 feels like both a performance EV and a glimpse of the future.

Charging Network and Infrastructure

Of course, a 1 MW-capable car needs chargers that can keep up. Zeekr is addressing this too. The company recently unveiled a 1.2-megawatt ultra-rapid charger and announced plans to build its own high-power charging network across China.

This effort aligns with similar moves from competitors like BYD, which has already demonstrated its megawatt-level charging stations in operation. The next phase of China’s EV race isn’t about range anymore—it’s about charging speed and convenience.

Global Market and Pricing

While other regions lag behind—most U.S. chargers max out at 350 kW—China’s charging infrastructure is advancing rapidly. In the U.S., even top performers like the Lucid Gravity can only add about 200 miles in 10 minutes, showing how far Chinese EV technology has leaped ahead.

Pricing for the refreshed Zeekr 001 will be announced soon. The outgoing version sold between 259,000 and 329,000 yuan ($36,500–$46,300) in China and starts at around €60,000 in Europe. With its massive leap in speed, performance, and efficiency, the updated 001 could easily become the new benchmark for global EV charging technology.

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