Long charging times have long been considered one of the biggest drawbacks of electric vehicles, especially when compared to the refueling speed of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, Chinese automaker Zeekr has unveiled an upgraded version of its 001 model, making it one of the fastest-charging electric vehicles on the planet.
While claiming that the 001 charges as quickly as refueling an ICE vehicle might not warrant grabbing a stopwatch, the numbers are impressively close.
Thanks to Zeekr’s new 900-volt architecture and ‘Golden Brick’ battery, a 001 variant can charge from 10% to 80% in just 7 minutes.
This is particularly notable given the vehicle’s substantial 95 kWh battery pack, rather than a smaller, fast-charging battery.
Zeekr claims the new 001 supports charging speeds of up to 1,140 kW. In the U.S., only Tesla’s Megachargers, designed for trucks, can achieve such speeds, but in China, Zeekr is rolling out 1,300 kW charging stations.
Zeekr will offer the new 001 with the exclusive 95 kWh battery, featuring full-time all-wheel drive. This variant boasts dual electric motors combining for 912 horsepower, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 2.83 seconds. The 95 kWh version is rated for a CLTC range of 441 miles (710 km).
Meanwhile, another variant equipped with a 103 kWh battery, utilizing CATL’s Qilin battery technology, offers a range of 437 miles (762 km), though it doesn’t match the Golden Brick’s charging speed. However, it can still charge from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes.
Numerous other upgrades have been made to the Zeekr 001. For instance, it features a panoramic glass sunroof with integrated LED lights designed to mimic the Rolls-Royce Starlight headliner.
The new model also features a large infotainment screen, a 39.3-inch windshield display, a 13-inch instrument cluster, and an 8-inch rear screen.
Pricing details have not yet been announced, but Zeekr has confirmed that deliveries to customers in China will begin in the coming days.
In Vietnam, Zeekr signed an agreement with Tasco Auto in late 2024 to officially bring the brand to the domestic market. The Zeekr Hanoi website has already listed specifications for three models, including the 001. Of course, this information pertains to the older 001 model, which debuted in 2021.
The official launch date for Zeekr in the Vietnamese market remains unclear, as does whether the 001 variant offered will be the old or new model.
