Tag: Zeekr

  • Zeekr’s 1.2 MW Charger vs. BYD and Tesla’s Fast Charging Tech

    Zeekr’s 1.2 MW Charger vs. BYD and Tesla’s Fast Charging Tech

    Key Takeaways

    1. Zeekr has launched a 1.2 MW rapid EV charger, surpassing BYD’s 1.0 MW charger introduced earlier in March 2025.
    2. The new ultra-fast charger will debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025 and is part of Zeekr’s plan to expand its charging network.
    3. Zeekr now holds the title for the fastest EV charger, a title recently held by BYD for a short time.
    4. BYD’s Super e-Platform technology can add 400 km of range in just five minutes, and they plan to install 500 fast chargers by April.
    5. Tesla’s Superchargers remain popular for their availability, but their charging speed is declining compared to newer competitors, with the latest model providing only 500 kW.

    If BYD believed it would bask in the limelight of its EV charger technology for an extended period, Zeekr has other plans. Zeekr has introduced a 1.2 MW rapid EV charger, outpacing BYD’s 1.0 MW charging system that was showcased earlier in March 2025.

    Unveiling the New Charger

    The ultra-fast charger was presented during VP Zhao Yuhui’s address at the China EV100 Forum. This charger is set to make its first appearance at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025. The Chinese company already operates over 4,000 rapid chargers, with a maximum output of 800 kW across 826 stations. The rollout of these new chargers is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.

    A New Record in Charging Speed

    Zeekr now holds the title for the fastest EV charger in the world, a title that BYD had for only a few weeks. BYD recently showcased its Super e-Platform charging technology, capable of adding 400 km of range in just five minutes. This was at an event where they also began accepting pre-orders for the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV. BYD aims to install 500 fast chargers by April.

    The Status of Tesla’s Superchargers

    Tesla’s Superchargers remain favored for their widespread availability and dependability. Nevertheless, the American manufacturer is slowly losing its top position in charging speed, as their latest model can only provide 500 kW. Tesla also operates a smaller Megacharger network that can deliver up to 1 MW, but this is reserved for its Class 8 electric Semi trucks in the US.

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  • Zeekr Takes on Tesla’s FSD in China with Free Driver Assistance

    Zeekr Takes on Tesla’s FSD in China with Free Driver Assistance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Zeekr launches a free version of its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) to compete with Tesla’s paid Full Self-Driving feature.
    2. The current system allows drivers to almost fully relinquish control but requires hands on the wheel until regulatory approval is obtained.
    3. Zeekr’s technology utilizes two Nvidia Orin X chipsets and one lidar unit, with plans to introduce more advanced chips in the future.
    4. The free ADAS version will be tested by a select group before a broader release in April, with no subscription fees during development.
    5. Tesla is developing its own ADAS without lidar but offers a free one-month trial of its Full Self-Driving feature in China.

    Zeekr may not be as well-known globally as Tesla, but it’s showing that it can hold its own in the market. The Chinese car manufacturer has made a bold move against Tesla’s paid Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature by launching a free version of its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

    Advanced Driving Features

    Zeekr’s technology enables drivers to almost completely relinquish control of the vehicle on designated routes. However, for now, users must keep their hands on the wheel, similar to the requirements set by Tesla, as the company is still waiting for official regulatory approval.

    The system uses two Nvidia Orin X chipsets along with one lidar unit. In the future, Zeekr plans to roll out the Nvidia Thor automotive chip, which includes one long-range and four short-range lidar units. This setup is specifically designed for the Chinese market, while vehicles intended for international sales will be equipped with different chips to meet local regulations.

    Launch Plans

    Zeekr intends to provide the free version to a select group for testing before it becomes broadly available in April. CEO Andy An mentioned that there’s no reason to start subscriptions while the ADAS is still being developed, and it’s hard to ignore the nod towards Tesla’s FSD, which comes with a hefty price tag of $8,850.

    Tesla is also working on its own ADAS without using lidar, a component that An acknowledges raises costs but also improves safety. Meanwhile, Tesla is enticing drivers in China by offering a free one-month trial of its FSD.

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