Through Fire to Build Trust: Chery Demonstrates Extreme Battery Safety in Malaysia

In a bold and highly visual demonstration of confidence, Chery Malaysia has taken battery safety testing to the next level, by literally putting it through fire.

As part of its ongoing Global Safety Challenge, the brand subjected the battery used in both the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV to one of the most extreme public tests yet, addressing long-standing concerns surrounding electrified vehicle safety.

A Test Designed to Challenge Perception

Electrified vehicles have often faced skepticism, particularly regarding the safety of their high-voltage battery systems in extreme conditions. To confront this perception head-on, Chery staged a dramatic test: suspending a battery over an open pit of flames fueled by RON95 petrol.

For a full minute, the battery endured temperatures exceeding 1,000°C, conditions far beyond typical real-world scenarios. The objective? To demonstrate not just compliance with safety standards, but resilience beyond expectation.

What Happened Under Extreme Heat?

At the peak of the test, observers noted brief white smoke, likely originating from the outer casing materials reacting to the intense heat. However, once removed from the flames, the situation stabilized quickly.

A closer inspection revealed something remarkable:

• Damage was largely confined to the lower section of the battery housing
• The upper structure remained intact, with no swelling or deformation
• No signs of thermal runaway, a key concern in EV battery fires were observed

This outcome reinforces Chery’s claim that its battery systems are engineered with multi-layered protection to withstand even the harshest conditions.

Global Testing, Local Confidence

This Malaysian showcase is part of a broader global initiative. Through its Global Safety Challenge, Chery has conducted similar extreme-condition tests across markets such as Kuwait, Ecuador, Mexico, South Africa, and Indonesia, each designed to simulate region-specific stress scenarios.

According to Men Lin Bo, Executive Vice President of Chery Corporate Malaysia, safety goes far beyond regulatory compliance. It’s about building consumer confidence through transparency and real-world validation.

Proven Safety Beyond the Lab

Beyond these demonstrations, Chery’s electrified lineup has also gained recognition through formal safety assessments. The Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV, for instance, achieved a five-star rating from ASEAN NCAP, scoring an impressive 94.68 points, marking the brand’s highest result in the region to date.

Accessible Electrification

For Malaysian buyers considering the switch to electrified mobility, Chery’s PHEV offerings are positioned as accessible entry points:

• Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV – from RM129,800
• Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV – from RM159,800

(Prices are on-the-road, excluding insurance.)

More Than a Spectacle

While dramatic, this fiery demonstration serves a deeper purpose. It’s not just about spectacle, it’s about reshaping public perception, proving that electrified vehicles can be as safe, if not safer, than their conventional counterparts.

As adoption of EVs and PHEVs continues to rise, such real-world demonstrations may play a crucial role in bridging the gap between innovation and trust.