Zeekr, a trailblazer in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, introduced its revolutionary self-developed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) accumulator known as the Golden "Brick" Battery during the recent Zeekr Power Day. Demonstrating unparalleled safety, the company subjected the battery to extreme conditions, including exposure to frigid temperatures (-45 °C) for 8 hours, immersing it in a 1000°C fire, and reinstalling it back into a car—remarkably showcasing continued functionality.
Positioning the Golden Brick as the world's first mass-produced LFP battery with a volume utilization exceeding 80%, Zeekr commenced mass production on the same day as the announcement. The cutting-edge Zeekr 007 sedan is set to be the inaugural vehicle equipped with this groundbreaking battery, with its launch scheduled for December 27.
The Golden Brick achieves an impressive 83.7% volume utilization through an innovative compact "sandwich structure," ultra-thin separators, and an integrated tray design. To provide context, leading battery manufacturer CATL unveiled its Qilin battery in June 2022, boasting a record-breaking 72% utilization with NMC chemistry and CTP (cell-to-pack) technology, along with a remarkable energy density of 255 Wh/kg. Notably, Zeekr's Golden Brick surpasses industry standards, particularly in comparison to the 66% volume utilization commonly seen in LFP batteries today.
In a bold move to showcase the battery's safety, Zeekr released a video featuring rigorous tests, including submerging the battery underwater for 48 hours, subjecting it to a 1000°C fire, enduring -45°C freezer conditions for 8 hours, and dragging it through mud for 3 kilometers. Following these tests, the battery was seamlessly reinstalled into a car, demonstrating its unwavering functionality.
Not satisfied with these comprehensive tests, Zeekr went further by subjecting the battery to a 22-ton roller and allowing the 710 kg battery to free fall 10 meters from a crane—resulting in no fire, smoke, or explosions. Zeekr's commitment to safety and innovation positions the Golden Brick as a game-changer in the realm of EV batteries, paving the way for enhanced reliability and resilience in the electric vehicle market.