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Zeekr, the premium EV brand under Geely, has confirmed that its popular mid-size electric SUV, the Zeekr 7X, will receive a larger entry-level battery as part of a 2027 model year update launching in China during the fourth quarter of 2025. The move is expected to boost range and enhance the vehicle’s appeal in the fiercely competitive Chinese EV market.
The upgraded 7X will introduce an 85kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, internally referred to as the “Golden Brick” battery, replacing the current 75kWh LFP pack. According to official Zeekr statements cited by Chinese media, the new battery boasts a lifespan of one million kilometers and supports over 3,500 charging cycles. This represents a significant durability improvement over standard LFP batteries, which typically offer around 2,000 cycles.
While the updated 7X will initially launch in China, Zeekr has not yet announced a timeline for other markets. The brand currently sells the 7X in Australia, where it arrived in late 2025, and has been expanding its global footprint. However, the 7X is not yet available in the United States, where Zeekr has yet to establish a direct sales channel. Import restrictions and tariff policies on Chinese-built EVs remain a key barrier.
For context, the current Zeekr 7X sold in Australia uses a 75kWh LFP battery paired with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 310kW and 440Nm, delivering 480km of WLTP range. Other variants in that market offer a 100kWh NMC battery with up to 615km range. The new 85kWh LFP battery could bring the entry-level 7X closer to the 500km WLTP mark, narrowing the gap between base and premium trims.
The larger battery also supports faster charging. Zeekr claims the 85kWh pack can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 10 minutes using a 900V architecture, which is already present in Chinese-market 7X models. In contrast, the Australian-delivered 75kWh battery charges at 450kW and takes 13 minutes for the same 10–80% cycle. The 85kWh unit’s 900V compatibility could enable peak DC charge rates of up to 620kW, according to Chinese media reports.
Industry analysts view the battery upgrade as a strategic move to maintain the 7X’s competitiveness against rivals like the Tesla Model Y, NIO ES6, and XPeng G6. “Zeekr is doubling down on its fast-charging and battery durability narrative,” said Li Wei, an independent EV analyst based in Shanghai. “The 85kWh ‘Golden Brick’ battery not only increases range but also addresses consumer concerns about battery degradation, which is a key factor in China’s used EV market.”
The 2027 model year update also promises new interior and exterior color options, though Zeekr has not disclosed specifics. The company is expected to reveal full details at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2025.
For the US market, the battery upgrade is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it demonstrates Zeekr’s technological leadership in affordable long-range EVs. On the other hand, it may intensify pressure on US automakers to accelerate their own LFP battery adoption and cost reduction. Currently, the 7X is not sold in the US, and there is no confirmed timeline for its introduction. Zeekr’s parent company Geely has expressed interest in entering the US market, but trade tensions and the 100% tariff on Chinese EVs remain formidable obstacles.
Until Zeekr establishes a US presence, American consumers can only watch the 7X’s evolution from afar. However, the brand’s battery innovations could eventually trickle down to models sold in the US through other Geely-owned brands like Polestar, which already manufactures the Polestar 2 in the US.
In summary, the Zeekr 7X’s larger battery update is a clear signal of the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV range and charging speed. While the US market remains off-limits for now, the technology showcased in the 7X may influence the broader EV landscape in the coming years.
