Chery Introduces Lifetime Battery Warranty for First Owners, Aligning with New GB38031-2025 Standard

As China's strictest mandatory battery safety standard, GB38031-2025, takes effect on July 1, 2026, Chery Automobile has announced a lifetime battery warranty for first owners across all new energy vehicles (NEVs) equipped with its 'Rhino Battery' — including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). The move aims to bolster consumer confidence in NEV safety.

According to an official statement from Chery, all Rhino Batteries used across its NEV lineup have passed all test requirements under GB38031-2025. Dubbed the 'zero fire, zero explosion' standard, it mandates that no fire or explosion occur within two hours after thermal runaway; smoke must not enter the passenger cabin within five minutes of alarm activation; batteries must withstand three impacts from a 30mm steel ball at 150J energy without ignition or explosion; and must remain free of fire or explosion risk after 300 fast-charge cycles.

This warranty enhancement is not a standalone policy but a deepened extension of Chery's whole-vehicle lifetime warranty program launched in 2023. The updated terms specify that if thermal runaway of the traction battery — caused by non-human factors — results in vehicle damage, Chery will provide a free replacement vehicle of the same model to the first non-commercial owner. Coverage includes the battery pack, drive motor, and power electronics control unit — the three core electric drivetrain components.

Currently, all NEVs — both on-sale and upcoming — from Chery's four brands — Chery, EXEED, Jetour, and iCaur — utilize Rhino Battery technology. Notably, the QQ3 EV was Chery's top-selling NEV in China in May 2026, delivering 8,523 units that month; it has been confirmed for global launch under the name 'Chery Q'.

On the technology front, Chery is accelerating solid-state battery commercialization, targeting large-scale application by 2027. The company also maintains deep collaboration with CATL and Guoxuan High-Tech to jointly develop multiple next-generation battery technologies.