Zeekr Collaborates with Minima for Blockchain-Based EV Charging Network

Zeekr, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is incorporating Minima's blockchain technology to establish a tokenized system for secure reservations at charging stations.

Minima, a decentralized blockchain network, is partnering with the European division of Zeekr, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, to introduce a charging solution that could enhance accessibility to charging stations.

In a press release obtained by crypto.news, Minima stated that the system could help bridge infrastructure gaps by enabling electric vehicle (EV) owners to share their wallboxes via a blockchain-driven booking system.

Minima's blockchain is reportedly being integrated into Zeekr's wallboxes, enabling owners to offer their chargers for reservation. This would allow Zeekr drivers to reserve charging slots, potentially increasing access to charging stations that would otherwise remain unused.

"In collaboration with Zeekr, we are demonstrating how blockchain and community-led solutions can tackle real-world issues, providing greater adaptability, security, and convenience to the EV ecosystem."

Hugo Feiler, co-founder and CEO of Minima

The system will utilize Minima's network to generate a secure access control token, which serves as a digital key for the charging station, ensuring that only authorized users can access the charger while preserving privacy.

A notable aspect of the system is its offline functionality. Even in the absence of internet connectivity, Minima asserts that its blockchain enables transactions to continue using local connections such as Bluetooth. The companies claim this could help guarantee uninterrupted charging in various environments.

Zeekr is the most recent Chinese automaker to delve into blockchain technology, a field that the industry has been experimenting with for several years. Back in 2018, BYD, a Shanghai-based EV and battery manufacturer, revealed plans to install a carbon banking system using the VeChainThor blockchain in all its vehicles.

VeChain's system was intended to monitor vehicle data across the entire automotive industry, marking one of the first large-scale attempts to place millions of cars, buses, and trains on a public blockchain.