Chery Battery Caught Fire for 80 Seconds: Here’s Why It Didn't Explode

As Malaysia accelerates its transition toward electrification, one question still dominates the comments sections: "Are EV and PHEV batteries safe?"

Yesterday, at the inaugural Chery Super Hybrid Battery Safety Challenge in Malaysia, Chery Corporate Malaysia decided to answer that question with fire. In front of over 100 government officials and media representatives, a battery pack used in Chery TIGGO 7 PHEV and TIGGO 8 PHEV was subjected to direct flame exposure for a grueling 1 minute and 20 seconds.

The result? The battery remained stable. No explosion. No fire escalation. No electrical failure. Here is the technical breakdown of how Chery is tackling "battery anxiety" through extreme validation.

Read: Chery Malaysia Outlines 2026 Plans, Four New SUVs Confirmed

The 80-Second Fire Test: Beyond the Laboratory

Most battery tests happen in sterile, controlled labs. Chery’s approach yesterday was transparent and conducted in an open outdoor setting. The battery pack underwent a preheating phase followed by 80 seconds of direct, high-temperature flame exposure.

While 80 seconds might seem short, in the world of thermal management, it is an eternity. The fact that the battery showed no "uncontrolled deformation" or "thermal runaway" yesterday proves the effectiveness of Chery’s internal cooling systems and structural insulation.

The Science of Survival: 3 Reasons the Battery Stayed Intact

Chery’s high-performance battery pack. (Source: Chery Official Website)

While the fire was the "spectacle," the real engineering was happening inside the casing. Based on the technical specifications of the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) architecture, here is why the battery survived:

1. The "Golden Bell" & 1,000°C Thermal Resistance

The battery is encased in a "Golden Bell" structure, which utilizes a high-strength aluminum alloy frame and a 780 MPa ultra-high-strength steel bottom plate.

During the test, the external temperature reached over 1,000°C, yet the structural cage remained intact. This armor acts as a primary thermal barrier, protecting the internal cells from direct deformation and slowing the transfer of extreme heat into the core.

2. Millisecond Electrical Isolation (PSS Intelligent Detonator)

Safety during a fire isn't just about heat; it’s about electricity. Chery’s CSH system is equipped with an exclusive Power Safety Switch (PSS) intelligent detonator. Within just 2 milliseconds of detecting a crisis, such as extreme heat or a collision, this system physically cuts the high-voltage power.

3. Rapid Exhaust & Pressure Management

To prevent the catastrophic "pressure cooker" effect that leads to explosions, the battery features a built-in rapid exhaust system. As internal temperatures rose during the 80-second test, this system safely released built-in pressure and gases. This active venting is what ensures the battery remains stable and does not escalate into an uncontrolled explosion.

A Global "Gauntlet" of Extreme Tests

Battery scrape test for the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV CSH in Mexico

Yesterday's fire test in Malaysia was the latest in a series of "Safety Challenges" conducted globally. To ensure TIGGO PHEV lineup can handle everything from a Malaysian flood to a desert heatwave, Chery has put its battery through:

• Indonesia: 53 hours of seawater immersion (corrosion & isolation test).
• The Middle East: Burial under scorching Kuwaiti desert dunes for 48 hours.
• Ecuador: A multi-angle live-fire test involving six rounds of ammunition penetration.
• South Africa: 50 km/h offset frontal collision tests.

The "Double Perfect" Safety Milestone

The battery's physical resilience is backed by its official safety credentials. The Chery TIGGO 7 PHEV recently achieved a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating with a record-breaking score of 94.68 points.

Notably, it is the only plug-in hybrid to secure a "double perfect score" in both Adult Occupant Protection and Safety Assist. This data point is crucial for Malaysian families looking for a hybrid that doesn't compromise on structural integrity.

Read: Chery Tiggo 7 is Now the Safest Chinese SUV on the Planet, This Is Why

Total Ownership Confidence: The 10-Year Warranty

Safety is one half of the equation; long-term cost is the other. To address the "Total Ownership Cost" (TOC) concerns of Malaysian buyers, Chery Malaysia has paired this hardware safety with a massive 10-year or 200,000 km battery warranty.

This coverage includes:

• The Battery Power Pack
• The Drive Motor
• The Vehicle Control Unit (VCU)

The Bottom Line

Chery’s "Super Hybrid" strategy focuses on radical transparency. By blowing up myths instead of batteries during yesterday's demonstration, they are setting a high benchmark for the PHEV segment in Malaysia. If a battery can survive a desert burial and a direct fire test, it’s likely more than ready for the daily crawl on the LDP.