Zeekr: No Plans for Battery-Swapping Models, Focus on Ultra-Fast Charging
Chinese automaker Zeekr has stated it has no plans to develop battery-swapping vehicle models. The company will instead concentrate on ultra-fast charging and hybrid powertrains.
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr has clarified that it does not intend to develop battery-swapping vehicle models. This announcement follows a strategic cooperation agreement between Zeekr's parent company, Geely Holdings, and Nio Inc. in the charging and battery-swapping sector.
Zeekr stated its future product roadmap will concentrate on two main areas: battery electric vehicles (BEVs) featuring ultra-fast charging capabilities, and the new "Catenary Super Hybrid" models. The company aims to deliver a technologically advanced and luxurious mobility experience to users through its charging technologies and product offerings.
The company highlighted its full-stack 900V high-voltage architecture, designed for faster charging, enhanced performance, and reduced energy consumption. For instance, the updated Zeekr 001 BEV can charge from 10% to 70% capacity in an average of 4 minutes and 30 seconds, a duration the company claims sets a new record for production vehicles globally.
This charging record was achieved with the updated Zeekr 001 equipped with a 95 kWh "Shield Solid State Battery" at a Geely charging station using the "Speedy Charge" function. This feature will initially be deployed on the updated Zeekr 001 and later rolled out via over-the-air (OTA) updates. The "Catenary Super Hybrid" model, Zeekr 9X, boasts a combined range of 1,250 kilometers on a full tank and battery charge, with an electric-only range of up to 380 kilometers. Its battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in just 9 minutes.
The partnership between Geely and Nio encompasses comprehensive strategic cooperation in technology, operations, and capital within the charging and battery-swapping domain. As part of the agreement, Geely will invest in Nio's energy company, and both parties will share charging technologies and standards to jointly build a charging service network. Geely also plans to develop its own battery-swapping models, for which Nio Energy will provide services.