Electric vehicles are rapidly advancing, with new battery technologies removing key barriers to widespread adoption. The Chinese brand Zeekr, part of the Geely Group (which also owns Polestar and Volvo), has introduced a revolutionary new battery designed to significantly reduce charging times.
The Golden Brick Battery’s Impressive Specs
The lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, known as the Golden Brick battery, is now in its second generation and is touted as the world’s fastest-charging electric car battery. Zeekr claims a 5.5C charging rate, where ‘C’ represents the charging speed; a 1C rating equals a one-hour charge, a 2C rating is 30 minutes, and 5C takes 12 minutes. The new Golden Brick can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes when using a compatible fast charger. Zeekr has also demonstrated the safety of the first generation by testing the cells and showing they can be put back in a car after being exposed to a fire of 1000 degrees celsius.
Performance SUV and Other Innovations
This battery is slated for use in the upcoming Zeekr 7X performance SUV, which is planned for Australia. The Zeekr 7X has two electric motors that produce 475kW of power. Its advanced battery is projected to provide a driving range of roughly 600km. Zeekr states that the 7X can gain 500km of range in an unprecedented amount of time.
And Zeekr isn’t alone in developing ultra-fast charging batteries. Its sister brand, Polestar, recently showcased similar tech in a Polestar 5 prototype. These batteries were developed by StoreDot, an Israeli company specializing in lithium-ion batteries. In a demonstration, a Polestar 5 prototype, equipped with the company’s battery, recharged from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes, equivalent to 320km of driving range. StoreDot’s battery maintained a charging rate of over 310kW, peaking at 370kW at 80% charge. According to StoreDot, the silicon-dominant battery cells have enhanced cooling, and don’t require specific cooling features.
Future Battery Technology
Toyota and Nissan are also working on solid-state batteries. They are smaller, lighter, deliver more energy, recharge faster, and are less prone to fire than current lithium-ion batteries. Toyota aims to implement these batteries in production cars by 2027, with Nissan following in 2028. This next generation of batteries is expected to be key for an electric off-road 4WD, ute, and the next-generation GT-R supercar.
