Electric vehicles have high-voltage battery packs that, like fuel tanks for petrol or diesel, are potentially dangerous. With fuel tanks, there is the danger of leaks that could result in fires starting after an accident. Battery packs can also catch fire, besides the added danger of electrocution in the event the pack is severely damaged.
Understanding such dangers, automakers have designed their fuel tanks and battery packs with many safety features that ensure the vehicle’s occupants and rescuers are not harmed. Chery, which has EVs in its range of vehicles, has focussed on battery safety before offering its products for sale.
The automaker is now running a global Safety Challenge campaign which shows its commitment to rigorous real-world testing, following a series of extreme safety tests conducted in China. These tests have included spiral rollovers, dual-vehicle collisions, and 7 vehicles stacked vertically.
As China’s top passenger vehicle exporter since 2003 (except in 2022), Chery has to make sure that its vehicles are safe in the varying climates and conditions of its many different markets. With its second stop being Indonesia, the campaign shows the battery and system being ‘challenged’ by the tropical environment of high temperatures and extreme humidity.
The TIGGO 8 PRO CSH (Chery Super Hybrid), Chery’s flagship plug-in hybrid SUV, used for this challenge is the same model which had earlier endured a 48-hour 7-car stack stress test in China.
Almost 54 hours in saltwater
In Indonesia, the test showed the moisture and corrosion resistance of the Guardian Battery in the CSH system of the TIGGO 8 PRO. The battery was immersed in saltwater for 53 hours and 51 minutes and there was no leakage, no short circuit, and no signs of thermal runaway (uncontrolled temperature increases). The battery maintained structural integrity and passed all technical validations for electrical insulation.
Witnessed by government officials and the media, the battery was installed in the vehicle and started successfully on the first attempt. It delivered stable power throughout the roadtest, completing the rigorous challenge with zero issues.
Comprehensive battery safety
The Guardian Battery has IP68-rated waterproof and dustproof certification, an ultra-fast 2ms power cut-off response, an ultra-wide operating temperature range from -35°C to 60°C, and a 24/7 real-time health monitoring system. These contribute to the comprehensive battery safety backed by advanced intelligent technologies.
The safety test in Indonesia is part of Chery’s global ‘In Somewhere, For Somewhere’ strategy, reflecting a deep commitment to market-specific product adaptation. By addressing local concerns -such as flooding and humidity – Chery can position itself as a reliable partner in delivering safe, intelligent mobility solutions.
Besides Indonesia, the Chery Safety Challenge will be presented in South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico where there are specific local environmental challenges such as dust, temperature extremes, sand and high humidity.