More and more car manufacturers are introducing new batteries that support super-fast charging. The latest to raise the bar is Geely -owned Zeekr , with a new lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery that can add 500 km of range in just 15 minutes when connected to a compatible charger .
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The first model to benefit from the “Golden Battery” will be the Zeekr 007 electric sedan, followed by “several” other vehicles. Thanks to its ability to charge at up to 500 kW, the battery of unknown capacity will be able to charge from 10% to 80% in just 15 minutes, while adding the aforementioned 500 km of autonomy. The new sedan from China, which competes with Tesla, is based on the PMA2+ architecture, which is a derivative of Geely’s SEA platform, and promises to offer up to 870 km of CLTC range.
Although LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries typically have a lower energy density than NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) batteries, Zeekr engineers have managed to turn this around with clever design. Using new materials and a “simplified structural design,” the company achieves an impressive volume utilization rate of 83.7%, meaning the new battery pack will be compact and energy. To be more precise, the CATL Qilin nickel manganese cobalt battery, currently used in the Zeekr 001 shooting brake and 009 minivan, has a significantly lower volume utilization rate of 72%.
Despite its high density, Zeekr claims that its new battery is very safe and fire‑resistant. Its durability was confirmed by rigorous safety tests carried out by the National Center for Quality and Automotive Testing in China.
The company Geely will produce the “Golden Battery” in Quzhou, Zhejiang. With the development and production of its own batteries within the company, the manufacturer aims to reduce its dependence on external suppliers and lower the production cost of electric vehicles, in order to become even more competitive in this increasingly fast-evolving environment. A similar strategy is also being followed by the competing brand Nio, which recently announced the development of its own battery pack.
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According to Autocar, Zeekr's new lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) unit will gradually find its way into electric vehicles from other Geely group companies, including Geometry, Polestar, Proton, Smart, Volvo and even Lotus.
If you are wondering about charging stations, Zeekr has committed to expanding its charging network in China, including over 10,000 fast‑charging stations by 2026, from the current 2,200 units at 401 locations. However, the 360 kW charging rate currently offered by these chargers does not exploit the 500 kW charging capability that the Zeekr 007 has.
LFP batteries (Lithium Iron Phosphate) have many potential applications in the automotive industry. One of the main ones is their use as starter batteries for electric vehicles. LFP batteries provide high power and reliability, making them ideal for starting the engine of an electric car.
Additionally, LFP batteries can also be used as power batteries to supply electric vehicles. The high energy density and long lifespan of LFP batteries make them suitable for storing and providing energy to electric vehicles during driving.
In addition, LFP batteries can also be used in hybrid vehicles, which combine internal combustion and electric propulsion. LFP batteries can store the energy generated during charging the vehicle and release it during driving, thus offering efficient and economical operation.
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Finally, LFP batteries can also be used in energy storage systems for electric vehicles. The reliability and long lifespan of LFP batteries make them suitable for storing energy from the grid or other energy sources, thus providing autonomy and flexibility to electric vehicle owners.
Source: carscoops
