Zeekr, the trust in electricity goes through the Accord

Zeekr tested its electric vehicles on Rome’s Grande Raccordo Anulare for 24 hours, logging more than 4,100 kilometers without leaving the ring road. The test, known as the 24 Heures du GRA, aimed to evaluate the range, energy consumption, and charging capabilities of two models: the Zeekr 7X and 7GT. Both cars were equipped with a 100 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive, operating in the Long Range variant. The Zeekr 7X covered 2,059.8 kilometers, completing 31 laps around the ring road, while the 7GT reached 2,098.7 kilometers, finishing 31.5 laps. Each vehicle made seven stops at a 300 kW IPlanet charging station located along the route. The total time spent charging was 100 minutes for the 7X and 109 minutes for the 7GT. During these sessions, the cars recovered an average of 68.4 kWh in 15 minutes and 50 seconds. The maximum power drawn during the test approached 300 kW, though both models are theoretically capable of handling up to 420 kW with compatible infrastructure. The overall energy consumed during the test amounted to 862.88 kWh. At the IPlanet Plus rate of 0.52 euros per kWh, the total cost was 448.70 euros for both vehicles combined. Without an IPlanet subscription, which costs 9.90 euros monthly, the cost would have been 638.53 euros using the standard rate of 0.74 euros per kWh. These figures include the final charge sessions. The test highlighted the importance of ultra-fast charging in long-distance electric mobility. Rather than focusing solely on the range of a single charge, Zeekr emphasized the ability to maintain high travel distances while minimizing downtime. This result was achieved under specific conditions, including consistently available high-power charging infrastructure. The trial took place between October 18 and 19 on open roads within the GRA, with two occupants in each vehicle, air conditioning running, and no special deliveries to conserve energy. According to the results published by the manufacturer, the average speeds recorded over the 24-hour period, including stops, were 85.8 km/h for the 7X and 87.4 km/h for the 7GT. These differ slightly from the 98 and 99 km/h stated in the Chinese manufacturer's official communication. During the presentation, IPlanet described repeatable performance curves, maintaining approximately 300 kW until 50–55 percent battery capacity and around 200 kW at 80 percent. This consistent power delivery significantly reduces charging time. A fast-charging promise means little if the power drops quickly after reaching peak levels. Here, the continuity observed across multiple charging sessions stands out as one of the key elements. The test aimed to build consumer confidence in electric vehicles, particularly among buyers who need to demonstrate that electric cars can handle long journeys without imposing excessive waiting times. With starting prices of 58,000 euros for the 7X and 54,500 euros for the 7GT, Zeekr seeks to convince potential customers that electric vehicles can offer practical solutions for extended travel.