Gasgoo Munich-On July 1, Chery officially unveiled its Rhino Battery Safety Assurance Plan. To align with national regulations, the automaker is introducing three "pledges" commitments for its Rhino Battery lineup:
First, full compliance with the latest national standards. Every Chery model equipped with the Rhino Battery meets the country's latest safety requirements for power batteries.
Second, a power battery safety pledge. If a vehicle is destroyed due to thermal runaway caused by the battery itself, Chery will replace it with a new car of the same model.
Third, lifetime warranty for core EV components. For first-time owners using their vehicles for non-commercial purposes, Chery offers lifetime warranty coverage for the battery, drive motor, and electronic control unit.
Source: Chery Automobile
Notably, July 1 also marked the official implementation of two mandatory national standards: "Safety Requirements for Electric Vehicles" and "Safety Requirements for Power Batteries for Electric Vehicles."
The new standards raise the bar for thermal diffusion testing. Previously, manufacturers only needed to provide a warning signal five minutes before fire or explosion. Now, the requirement is stricter: batteries must not catch fire or explode, and smoke must not harm occupants. The updated rules also mandate bottom impact tests and safety checks after fast-charging cycles.
The new standards apply primarily to models filed for approval after July 1. Existing models already on the market have a one-year transition period to comply.
By launching this plan on the day the standards took effect, Chery is extending its "safety net" to cover both sold and current models. This move not only aligns with the new technical requirements but also directly addresses consumer concerns over battery safety.
The Rhino Battery plan marks another step up in customer protection, following Chery's earlier offer of lifetime warranties for its entire vehicle lineup.
As core components of new energy vehicles, the battery, motor, and control unit are expensive to repair or replace. Combining lifetime warranties with thermal runaway compensation reduces ownership risks over the vehicle's full lifecycle.
With the new standards in place, the industry is shifting from a "five-minute escape" philosophy to a "zero-fire" era. Chery's early move with its comprehensive pledge could trigger a new round of safety service upgrades across the sector.
