- Chery’s hybrid battery survived extreme fire exposure without thermal runaway.
- Multiple global stress tests confirm high structural and thermal resilience.
During a live demonstration, Chery Auto Malaysia showcased the durability of its Super Hybrid battery by exposing it to extreme fire conditions exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius. The test focused on the 18.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery used in the Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV models, highlighting the company’s emphasis on real-world safety validation.
Extreme Fire Exposure Without Structural Failure
The test involved igniting 36 litres of petrol and suspending the battery directly above the flames for 80 seconds. Despite intense thermal exposure, the outer casing only showed surface-level damage. Internally, the battery pack remained stable, with no electrical malfunction or deformation. Most importantly, the system avoided thermal runaway, ensuring that the fire did not escalate uncontrollably. This demonstrates a strong resistance to heat-induced failure, a critical safety benchmark for hybrid battery systems.
Advanced Safety Engineering and Thermal Protection
According to the company, the battery design incorporates heat-resistant materials capable of withstanding temperatures up to 95 degrees Celsius during operation. The internal structure includes a reinforced crossmember that enhances crash protection. Additionally, the system continuously monitors thermal conditions and activates a pyrotechnic safety switch within two milliseconds if abnormal heat is detected. This rapid disconnection mechanism minimizes the risk of fire propagation and provides occupants with additional response time.
Global Validation Through Diverse Stress Tests
Beyond fire testing, Chery has conducted multiple durability trials across different regions. In China, a Tiggo 9 PHEV underwent both head-on collision and rollover testing. In Indonesia, the battery was submerged in seawater for over 53 hours before being reinstalled and successfully driven. These tests confirm the battery’s resilience against both mechanical and environmental stress.
Impact, Collision, and Extreme Condition Testing
Further validation was carried out globally, including an underbody impact test in Mexico, where a Tiggo 7 PHEV endured a scrape against a low obstacle. Additional crash testing occurred in South Africa, while ballistic resistance was evaluated in Ecuador using rifle fire from multiple angles. These diverse tests collectively demonstrate the battery’s robustness under extreme and unpredictable conditions.
Key Safety Features of Chery Super Hybrid Battery
The following table summarizes the major safety attributes validated through testing:
Chery Super Hybrid Battery Safety Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Thermal Resistance | Withstands extreme heat exposure without failure |
| Pyrotechnic Safety Switch | Disconnects battery within 2 milliseconds |
| Structural Reinforcement | High-strength crossmember for crash protection |
| Water Resistance | Operates after prolonged seawater exposure |
Commitment to Transparent Safety Demonstration
A senior executive from the company emphasized that safety remains central to development efforts. By publicly demonstrating extreme test scenarios, the company aims to build trust and improve awareness of hybrid battery technologies. These efforts go beyond regulatory compliance, focusing instead on real-world reliability and user confidence in electrified mobility systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Chery Super Hybrid battery resistant to fire?
The Chery Super Hybrid battery is designed with heat-resistant materials, reinforced structural components, and advanced monitoring systems that prevent thermal runaway even under extreme conditions. These features work together to maintain stability during high-temperature exposure. The inclusion of a rapid-response pyrotechnic safety switch ensures immediate disconnection in case of abnormal heat, reducing fire risks significantly and enhancing passenger safety during critical situations.
How has Chery validated the safety of its hybrid battery globally?
Chery has conducted extensive global testing including fire exposure, crash simulations, water submersion, and impact resistance trials across multiple countries. These tests ensure the battery performs reliably under diverse environmental and mechanical stress conditions. By validating performance in real-world scenarios such as collisions and extreme climates, the company demonstrates the battery’s durability, safety, and readiness for everyday use in hybrid vehicles.
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