FYI: The Zeekr 007 is making waves with its blazing-fast charging capabilities, outperforming even the fastest EVs on American roads.
The Marvel of Zeekr 007: An In-Depth Review
It’s no secret that the Zeekr 007 has captured my heart. With its sleek design and refreshing feel, I deeply regret the impact of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports preventing this exceptional vehicle from gracing our shores. Though I’ve had the exhilarating experience of driving the Zeekr 007 on a racetrack in Beijing, my grasp of its day-to-day benefits remains somewhat limited. The car’s infotainment system is solely in Chinese, and I didn’t have enough time to witness its DC fast charging in action thoroughly. This aspect is notably crucial as the Zeekr 001 and 007 are competing for the title of the fastest-charging EV, alongside Li Auto Mega. Although the 007 currently holds third place, this competition is a win-win for Chinese EV drivers.
Real-Time Charging: An Impressive Documentary
A YouTube video from the channel "China’s EV Car" showcases the Zeekr 007 charging at a DC fast charger in China. While charging an EV isn’t typically newsworthy, this footage allows us to observe the 007’s charging curve in real-time—a feast for EV aficionados. When plugged in at 7% state of charge, the Zeekr 007 blitzed to 80% in less than 14 minutes. This beats the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the current fastest-charging EV in the U.S., by a full four minutes, despite the Hyundai starting at 10%.
Zeekr’s Global Ambitions
Zeekr is setting its sights beyond China, with plans to expand into markets like South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Western Europe.
Delving into the Charging Curve
The most commendable feature of the Zeekr 007 is undoubtedly its charging curve. Even though it doesn’t hit the 546 kW peak of its sibling, the Zeekr 001, the 007 holds its own. It maintains charging speeds above 300 kW for nearly five minutes, peaking at an impressive 378 kW. After reaching about 40% charge, the speed tapers off moderately, hovering around 250 kW for much of the remaining charge. Astonishingly, even at 79%, it was still pulling over 160 kW. The video concludes with the 007 adding a staggering 343 miles (553 kilometers) of range.
Technological Triumph
The Zeekr 007’s rapid charging prowess signals Geely’s dedication to advanced 800-volt architecture and cutting-edge battery technologies. Excluding the top-tier Performance model, the Zeekr 007 employs a 75 kWh LFP battery—branded as the "Golden Battery" by Geely. The automaker claims this battery can add 310 miles (500 kilometers) in just 15 minutes, and based on the video evidence, it indeed over-delivers.
Comparisons with Other EVs
In contrast, the similarly advanced 800-volt Lucid Air peaks at 304 kW during DC fast charging but drops off significantly around the 25% mark. The Hummer’s massive battery pack, although substantial, fails to sustain high charging speeds comparable to the Zeekr 007.
Battery Longevity Concerns?
While such rapid charging capabilities raise concerns about battery longevity, the 007’s LFP battery chemistry is renowned for its durability through full charge and discharge cycles. This makes it notably different from competitors like the Hummer and Lucid.
Future Integrations
Despite being under the Geely umbrella, no Volvo or Polestar model can currently match the Zeekr 007’s fast charging speeds. Hopefully, as these brands continue to collaborate and share technologies, they will incorporate Zeekr’s rapid charging advancements into their lineups.
Conclusion
There’s no escaping it: the Zeekr 007 is a marvel of modern EV technology, blending rapid charging, robust battery performance, and impressive range. As Geely’s investments in smart tech continue to pay off, we can only hope that these innovations will soon spread across more EV brands globally.
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William Kouch, Editor of Electric Vehicles for automotive.fyi
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