Rival EV Dubbed 'Model 3 Killer' Claims 10-97% Charge in 9 Minutes

A New Charging Benchmark

A newly reported electric sedan is being billed as a potential "Tesla Model 3 killer" after claims emerged that it can charge from 10 percent to 97 percent state of charge in just nine minutes, according to a report from newatlas.com. If accurate, that charging window would represent one of the fastest turnaround times demonstrated by any production electric vehicle to date, putting direct pressure on the Model 3's long-held reputation as a benchmark for efficiency and usability in the mainstream EV segment.

Charging speed has become one of the most closely watched metrics in the electric vehicle industry, as automakers race to close the gap with Tesla's own Supercharger network, long considered an industry leader in both charger availability and vehicle-side charging performance. A vehicle capable of replenishing nearly a full battery in under ten minutes would mark a significant step toward eliminating one of the last major friction points for EV adoption: the time cost of topping up compared to refueling a gasoline car.

The Tesla Model 3 remains one of the best-selling electric vehicles globally, prized for its range, software, and access to Tesla's charging infrastructure. However, rival automakers have increasingly focused on ultra-fast charging as a key differentiator to attract buyers who might otherwise default to Tesla, particularly in markets where charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly and charging speed can directly influence purchase decisions.

While newatlas.com's report frames the vehicle's charging capability as a direct challenge to the Model 3, the broader implications point to intensifying competition in the affordable electric sedan category. If the nine-minute charging claim holds up under real-world testing conditions, it could push other manufacturers, including Tesla, to further accelerate development of faster-charging battery technology and compatible charging hardware to keep pace with emerging rivals.

Source: newatlas.com