China's Fastest Charging EV Adds 164 Miles in 5 Minutes

TLDRThe refreshed version of China's fastest charging EV, the Zer1, can add 164 miles of range in just 5 minutes, topping out at a peak charging rate of 546 KW. This is faster than the Le Auto Megaan, which can charge at up to 521 KW. However, the Megaan charged from 10 to 80% in just over 10 minutes and 30 seconds, while the Zer1 took a minute longer. Both EVs require new ultra-fast charging stations to achieve these times. In Europe, sales of electric cars dropped by almost 23% in the first quarter of the year, with Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Tesla experiencing declines. European car buyers are turning away due to high EV prices and waiting for lower-priced models. In China, sales of new energy vehicles, including BEVs, increased by 33% to 820,000 units in March. However, 109 out of the 129 brands selling electric cars have less than 1% market share, indicating that they are likely losing money.

Key insights

🔋The Zer1, China's fastest charging EV, can add 164 miles of range in just 5 minutes, surpassing the Le Auto Megaan's charging rate of 521 KW.

🌍In Europe, sales of electric cars dropped by nearly 23% in the first quarter of 2021 due to high prices and a lack of affordable models.

📉Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Tesla experienced declines in electric car sales in Europe, reflecting the overall market trend.

⚡Sales of new energy vehicles, including BEVs, increased by 33% to 820,000 units in China in March, signaling strong demand for electric cars in the country.

💰Out of the 129 brands selling electric cars in China, 109 have less than 1% market share, suggesting that many companies are likely losing money in the EV market.

Q&A

How fast can the Zer1 charge compared to the Le Auto Megaan?

—The Zer1 can charge at a peak rate of 546 KW, while the Le Auto Megaan can charge at up to 521 KW. However, the Megaan charged from 10 to 80% in just over 10 minutes and 30 seconds, slightly faster than the Zer1.

Why did sales of electric cars decline in Europe?

—Sales of electric cars dropped in Europe due to high prices and a lack of affordable models. European car buyers are waiting for lower-priced electric cars to enter the market.

Which automakers saw declines in electric car sales in Europe?

—Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Tesla experienced declines in electric car sales in Europe. These companies were affected by the overall drop in demand for electric cars in the region.

How much did sales of new energy vehicles increase in China?

—Sales of new energy vehicles, including BEVs, increased by 33% to 820,000 units in China in March. This indicates a strong demand for electric cars in the country.

Why are many brands selling electric cars in China likely losing money?

—Out of the 129 brands selling electric cars in China, 109 have less than 1% market share. This suggests that many companies are not able to generate significant sales or profits in the highly competitive EV market.

Timestamped Summary

00:10The refreshed version of China's fastest charging EV, the Zer1, can add 164 miles of range in just 5 minutes, topping out at a peak charging rate of 546 KW.

02:32Sales of electric cars dropped by almost 23% in Europe in the first quarter of the year due to high prices and a lack of affordable models.

03:06Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Tesla experienced declines in electric car sales in Europe, reflecting the overall market trend.

02:53Sales of new energy vehicles, including BEVs, increased by 33% to 820,000 units in China in March, signaling strong demand for electric cars in the country.

09:12Out of the 129 brands selling electric cars in China, 109 have less than 1% market share, suggesting that many companies are likely losing money in the EV market.

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