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.
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“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.
