Chery Puts EV Battery Through Extreme Fire Test — Is It Really Safe?

Electric vehicle (EV) battery safety has always been a major concern for buyers. To address this, Chery recently conducted a dramatic live demonstration in Malaysia — setting its own battery on fire to prove a point.

But how safe is it really? And does this test actually mean EVs are safer than we think?

What Happened in the Fire Test?

In a recent safety challenge, Chery subjected its plug-in hybrid battery — used in models like the Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV — to an extreme fire test in front of media. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The test conditions were intense:

• Temperatures exceeding 1,000°C
• Direct flame exposure for حوالي 80 seconds
• Battery placed directly into burning petrol

Despite this, the results were surprising.

No Explosion, No Thermal Runaway

According to reports, the battery remained structurally intact throughout the test — with no explosion, no leakage, and no thermal runaway. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Thermal runaway is the biggest fear with EV batteries, where heat causes a chain reaction leading to fires or explosions. The fact that this did not occur is a significant claim.

Even after the test:

• The outer casing was charred
• The internal battery cells remained undamaged
• No fire escalation was observed

This suggests that the battery’s protective structure played a crucial role in containing the heat.

Why Didn’t the Battery Catch Fire?

Chery’s battery uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is known to be more stable and less prone to overheating compared to other battery types.

Additionally, the battery pack includes:

• Strong structural casing (thermal protection layer)
• Heat-resistant materials
• Advanced battery management systems

These features help prevent heat from spreading between cells — reducing the risk of catastrophic failure.

Is This Test Realistic?

While the fire test is impressive, it’s important to understand its context.

This was a controlled demonstration, designed to showcase the battery’s durability under extreme conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

However, real-world EV fires can involve:

• Severe crashes damaging battery structure
• Long-duration fires rather than short exposure
• Different environmental conditions

So while the test proves strong resistance, it doesn’t mean EV batteries are completely risk-free.

How Does This Compare to Other EV Batteries?

Chery is not the only manufacturer focusing on battery safety.

For example, other automakers have conducted extreme tests such as:

• Nail penetration tests (piercing battery cells)
• Crush and impact testing
• High-temperature furnace exposure

Some advanced batteries have even shown the ability to avoid fire entirely under these conditions, highlighting how fast EV safety technology is improving. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Are EVs Actually Safer Than Petrol Cars?

Contrary to popular belief, studies and industry data suggest that EVs are generally less likely to catch fire than petrol-powered cars.

However, when EV fires do occur, they can be:

• Harder to extinguish
• More intense due to battery chemistry

This is why automakers are investing heavily in improving battery safety systems and thermal management.

What This Means for Malaysian Buyers

For Malaysian consumers considering EVs or hybrids, Chery’s fire test sends a clear message — battery safety is improving rapidly.

Key takeaways:

• Modern EV batteries are designed to withstand extreme conditions
• LFP batteries offer better thermal stability
• Safety testing is becoming more transparent and public

However, buyers should still consider overall vehicle safety, build quality, and brand reliability — not just battery performance alone.

Conclusion

The Chery EV battery fire test is a bold and impressive demonstration of how far battery technology has come. Surviving over 1,000°C flames without failure is no small feat.

But while it highlights strong safety engineering, it’s not a guarantee of absolute safety in every scenario.

In reality, EVs are becoming safer every year — and tests like this show that automakers are taking battery safety more seriously than ever before.