logo
Zeekr to build a Tesla-style charging network in Australia

Zeekr to build a Tesla-style charging network in Australia

The Advertiser04-07-2025
Tesla's expansive Supercharger network has long been a point of difference for the electric vehicle (EV) giant in Australia, but Chinese challenger Zeekr now intends to roll out its own charging network as part of an ambitious expansion plan.
Zeekr already has extensive experience in managing EV chargers – it oversees a network of 860 ultra-fast 800V charging stations, 1536 fast-chargers and 4134 chargers covering 183 cities in China.
Tesla boasts nearly 800 EV chargers across more than 100 locations in Australia, while rivals continue to rely on independent EV charger operators.
However, Zeekr sees an opportunity to bring the Zeekr Power network Down Under, although the local landscape poses unique challenges.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"We want to differentiate ourselves compared to other incoming EV brands," William Zhou, general manager of Zeekr Australia, told local media in Sydney.
"We have our own charging network in China called Zeekr Power, which is similar to what Tesla has here.
"We are exploring collaboration opportunities with equipment manufacturers and charger operators in Australia, as well as electricity companies. There's a lot of things going on. We're trying to have our own [chargers], that's the direction.
"I don't know how long it will take."
Just two models are currently offered by Zeekr in Australia – the 009 people mover and the X compact SUV, both of which are EVs. The larger 7X electric SUV is due to arrive later this year, while a third SUV has been confirmed for local release in 2026.
The global Zeekr lineup is also EV-heavy, although the Geely-owned Chinese automaker is now venturing into the plug-in hybrid market with its new 9X large SUV.
Aside from Tesla and its Superchargers, major players in Australia's public EV charging market include Chargefox, Evie, JOLT, and the NRMA.
Zeekr Australia recently teamed up with Evie to offer customers 12 months of free public charging with any new vehicle purchase, although that sweetener expired at the end of the financial year.
MORE: Explore the Zeekr showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Tesla's expansive Supercharger network has long been a point of difference for the electric vehicle (EV) giant in Australia, but Chinese challenger Zeekr now intends to roll out its own charging network as part of an ambitious expansion plan.
Zeekr already has extensive experience in managing EV chargers – it oversees a network of 860 ultra-fast 800V charging stations, 1536 fast-chargers and 4134 chargers covering 183 cities in China.
Tesla boasts nearly 800 EV chargers across more than 100 locations in Australia, while rivals continue to rely on independent EV charger operators.
However, Zeekr sees an opportunity to bring the Zeekr Power network Down Under, although the local landscape poses unique challenges.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"We want to differentiate ourselves compared to other incoming EV brands," William Zhou, general manager of Zeekr Australia, told local media in Sydney.
"We have our own charging network in China called Zeekr Power, which is similar to what Tesla has here.
"We are exploring collaboration opportunities with equipment manufacturers and charger operators in Australia, as well as electricity companies. There's a lot of things going on. We're trying to have our own [chargers], that's the direction.
"I don't know how long it will take."
Just two models are currently offered by Zeekr in Australia – the 009 people mover and the X compact SUV, both of which are EVs. The larger 7X electric SUV is due to arrive later this year, while a third SUV has been confirmed for local release in 2026.
The global Zeekr lineup is also EV-heavy, although the Geely-owned Chinese automaker is now venturing into the plug-in hybrid market with its new 9X large SUV.
Aside from Tesla and its Superchargers, major players in Australia's public EV charging market include Chargefox, Evie, JOLT, and the NRMA.
Zeekr Australia recently teamed up with Evie to offer customers 12 months of free public charging with any new vehicle purchase, although that sweetener expired at the end of the financial year.
MORE: Explore the Zeekr showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Tesla's expansive Supercharger network has long been a point of difference for the electric vehicle (EV) giant in Australia, but Chinese challenger Zeekr now intends to roll out its own charging network as part of an ambitious expansion plan.
Zeekr already has extensive experience in managing EV chargers – it oversees a network of 860 ultra-fast 800V charging stations, 1536 fast-chargers and 4134 chargers covering 183 cities in China.
Tesla boasts nearly 800 EV chargers across more than 100 locations in Australia, while rivals continue to rely on independent EV charger operators.
However, Zeekr sees an opportunity to bring the Zeekr Power network Down Under, although the local landscape poses unique challenges.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"We want to differentiate ourselves compared to other incoming EV brands," William Zhou, general manager of Zeekr Australia, told local media in Sydney.
"We have our own charging network in China called Zeekr Power, which is similar to what Tesla has here.
"We are exploring collaboration opportunities with equipment manufacturers and charger operators in Australia, as well as electricity companies. There's a lot of things going on. We're trying to have our own [chargers], that's the direction.
"I don't know how long it will take."
Just two models are currently offered by Zeekr in Australia – the 009 people mover and the X compact SUV, both of which are EVs. The larger 7X electric SUV is due to arrive later this year, while a third SUV has been confirmed for local release in 2026.
The global Zeekr lineup is also EV-heavy, although the Geely-owned Chinese automaker is now venturing into the plug-in hybrid market with its new 9X large SUV.
Aside from Tesla and its Superchargers, major players in Australia's public EV charging market include Chargefox, Evie, JOLT, and the NRMA.
Zeekr Australia recently teamed up with Evie to offer customers 12 months of free public charging with any new vehicle purchase, although that sweetener expired at the end of the financial year.
MORE: Explore the Zeekr showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Tesla's expansive Supercharger network has long been a point of difference for the electric vehicle (EV) giant in Australia, but Chinese challenger Zeekr now intends to roll out its own charging network as part of an ambitious expansion plan.
Zeekr already has extensive experience in managing EV chargers – it oversees a network of 860 ultra-fast 800V charging stations, 1536 fast-chargers and 4134 chargers covering 183 cities in China.
Tesla boasts nearly 800 EV chargers across more than 100 locations in Australia, while rivals continue to rely on independent EV charger operators.
However, Zeekr sees an opportunity to bring the Zeekr Power network Down Under, although the local landscape poses unique challenges.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"We want to differentiate ourselves compared to other incoming EV brands," William Zhou, general manager of Zeekr Australia, told local media in Sydney.
"We have our own charging network in China called Zeekr Power, which is similar to what Tesla has here.
"We are exploring collaboration opportunities with equipment manufacturers and charger operators in Australia, as well as electricity companies. There's a lot of things going on. We're trying to have our own [chargers], that's the direction.
"I don't know how long it will take."
Just two models are currently offered by Zeekr in Australia – the 009 people mover and the X compact SUV, both of which are EVs. The larger 7X electric SUV is due to arrive later this year, while a third SUV has been confirmed for local release in 2026.
The global Zeekr lineup is also EV-heavy, although the Geely-owned Chinese automaker is now venturing into the plug-in hybrid market with its new 9X large SUV.
Aside from Tesla and its Superchargers, major players in Australia's public EV charging market include Chargefox, Evie, JOLT, and the NRMA.
Zeekr Australia recently teamed up with Evie to offer customers 12 months of free public charging with any new vehicle purchase, although that sweetener expired at the end of the financial year.
MORE: Explore the Zeekr showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

YouTube will not be exempt from under-16 social media ban
YouTube will not be exempt from under-16 social media ban

9 News

time6 hours ago

  • 9 News

YouTube will not be exempt from under-16 social media ban

Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here The Google-owned platform lobbied for the government to make it exempt from the ban, claiming it is a "video streaming platform" and not a social media platform. However Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced YouTube will be captured in the landmark legislation alongside other age-restricted platforms Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and X. The Google-owned video streaming platform lobbied for the government to make it exempt from the landmark ban. (Getty) Other online services which don't fall under the ban will include online gaming, messaging apps, health and education services. These services are excluded in the ban because the government said they pose fewer harms to children under 16 or are subject to different laws. Social media platforms listed in the legislation will be subject to the ban from December 10 this year. The social media giants face fines of up to $49.5 million if they "fail to take responsible steps to prevent underage account holders onto their services". "Our government is making it clear – we stand on the side of families," Albanese said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the list of platforms captured in the legislation. (Alex Ellinghausen) "Social media has a social responsibility and there is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms so I'm calling time on it. "Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs." Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant recommended to Communications Minister Anika Wells that YouTube be included in the ban after the draft rules were released in June. Wells said there is "no one perfect solution" for ensuring kids are safe online but said today's announcement would make a positive difference. "The rules are not a set and forget, they are a set and support," she said. "There are heavy penalties for companies who fail to take reasonable steps to prevent underage account holders onto their services of up to $49.5 million. "There's a place for social media, but there's not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children." The social media giants face fines $49.5 million if they "fail to take responsible steps to prevent underage account holders onto their services". (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett) YouTube has argued it should be exempt from the ban as it would restrict political freedom and prevent people under 16 from contributing to political discourse by posting videos and making comments. It has also argued that by allowing children to log in to the platform, it enables safety guardrails specifically designed for younger people. "The government was firm in its decision that YouTube would be excluded because it is different and because of its value to younger Australians. This intention was repeatedly made clear in its public statements, including to the Australian Parliament," a spokesperson for YouTube told earlier today. "However, signals that the government is contemplating an abrupt policy reversal have prompted us to seek further clarity on this matter. "Our position has always been clear: YouTube is a video sharing platform, not a social media service, that offers benefit and value to younger Australians. "We have written directly to the government, urging them to uphold the integrity of the legislative process and protect the age-appropriate experiences and safeguards we provide for young Australians." CONTACT US

More cash, more seats, more signs: How AFL clubs will benefit from new Marvel Stadium deal
More cash, more seats, more signs: How AFL clubs will benefit from new Marvel Stadium deal

The Age

time9 hours ago

  • The Age

More cash, more seats, more signs: How AFL clubs will benefit from new Marvel Stadium deal

The AFL is close to a landmark agreement with the Marvel Stadium tenants that would guarantee increased returns over the next five years. Under the long-term deal, which has not been formally signed but is all but agreed, the AFL – as the owner of Marvel Stadium – will hand Essendon, Carlton, St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne sizeable increases in their guaranteed payments, extra premium seats and a higher share of signage. One estimate from a club was that they would receive an extra $63,000 per home game in guaranteed money, including signage, and the increased revenue might be about $400,000-$500,000 per year assuming average crowds. In terms of club fixtures, Carlton would have an even split between Marvel Stadium and the MCG home games over six years, alternating between a five-six and six-five split of the venues. Next year, the Blues would have six at Marvel, having had six at the MCG this year. Technically, the new deal is a six-year arrangement, counting 2025, even though this season is close to completion. It could boost income for clubs this year, depending on each clubs' specific returns. But clubs would still have to bear the higher costs as home tenant under the new deal, according to competition sources. This would offset the gains, but overall the clubs still stood to improve their returns significantly. The new deal is standard for all five tenant clubs, including Carlton, and closes the gap between what teams earn for MCG games and the AFL-owned Marvel. St Kilda, which has lobbied hard for extra games at the MCG, has been handed 10 games at Marvel Stadium for the next two years, then they would have a guarantee of nine at Docklands and one at the MCG from 2028 until 2030, with one home game left to be negotiated. The Saints confirmed to this masthead that their strong preference was for two home games at the MCG in those years.

More cash, more seats, more signs: How AFL clubs will benefit from new Marvel Stadium deal
More cash, more seats, more signs: How AFL clubs will benefit from new Marvel Stadium deal

Sydney Morning Herald

time9 hours ago

  • Sydney Morning Herald

More cash, more seats, more signs: How AFL clubs will benefit from new Marvel Stadium deal

The AFL is close to a landmark agreement with the Marvel Stadium tenants that would guarantee increased returns over the next five years. Under the long-term deal, which has not been formally signed but is all but agreed, the AFL – as the owner of Marvel Stadium – will hand Essendon, Carlton, St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne sizeable increases in their guaranteed payments, extra premium seats and a higher share of signage. One estimate from a club was that they would receive an extra $63,000 per home game in guaranteed money, including signage, and the increased revenue might be about $400,000-$500,000 per year assuming average crowds. In terms of club fixtures, Carlton would have an even split between Marvel Stadium and the MCG home games over six years, alternating between a five-six and six-five split of the venues. Next year, the Blues would have six at Marvel, having had six at the MCG this year. Technically, the new deal is a six-year arrangement, counting 2025, even though this season is close to completion. It could boost income for clubs this year, depending on each clubs' specific returns. But clubs would still have to bear the higher costs as home tenant under the new deal, according to competition sources. This would offset the gains, but overall the clubs still stood to improve their returns significantly. The new deal is standard for all five tenant clubs, including Carlton, and closes the gap between what teams earn for MCG games and the AFL-owned Marvel. St Kilda, which has lobbied hard for extra games at the MCG, has been handed 10 games at Marvel Stadium for the next two years, then they would have a guarantee of nine at Docklands and one at the MCG from 2028 until 2030, with one home game left to be negotiated. The Saints confirmed to this masthead that their strong preference was for two home games at the MCG in those years.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store