Chery Introduces Lifetime Battery Warranty for EV and Hybrid Owners as China Enforces Tough New Safety Rules
Chery has announced a major confidence-boosting move for electric and hybrid vehicle buyers: original owners of Chery models equipped with Rhino battery packs will now receive a lifetime warranty covering the power battery and key electric drive components.
The announcement comes as China introduces GB38031-2025, a new mandatory electric vehicle battery safety standard that officially took effect on July 1, 2026. The regulation is being described as one of the strictest EV battery safety rules in the world, raising the bar for automakers as competition in the electric vehicle market continues to intensify.
Under the new standard, EV batteries must meet much tougher safety requirements during extreme failure conditions. One of the most important rules involves thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction that can cause batteries to overheat, catch fire, or explode. Instead of merely requiring an early warning system before a fire, the new regulation demands that a battery pack must not ignite or explode for two full hours after thermal runaway begins.
The regulation also focuses heavily on passenger safety. If a battery-related incident occurs, smoke must not enter the cabin for at least five minutes. This gives occupants critical time to escape the vehicle and avoid exposure to toxic fumes.
Another demanding test requires battery packs to withstand three separate impacts from a 30 mm steel ball, each delivering 150 joules of energy, without catching fire. This is designed to test how well a battery can survive severe physical damage.
Fast-charging durability is also part of the new rules, an increasingly important factor as high-power charging networks continue to expand. EV batteries must endure at least 300 fast-charging cycles and still pass a short-circuit safety test afterward. With ultra-fast charging becoming a key selling point for electric vehicles, this requirement could play a major role in shaping future battery development.
Chery says all of its previously sold and currently available models equipped with Rhino batteries meet the latest GB38031-2025 national standard. The company is also making a strong safety commitment: if a Chery vehicle suffers thermal runaway damage caused by a fault in the power battery itself, the automaker says it will compensate the owner with a new car of the same model.
For first-time private owners, Chery is offering a lifetime warranty on the three core electric systems. This includes the power battery, drive motor, and electronic control unit. The warranty applies to vehicles used for non-commercial purposes, meaning fleet, taxi, or ride-hailing use may not qualify under the same terms.
The move positions Chery as one of the more aggressive automakers in China when it comes to long-term EV warranty coverage. By backing its Rhino battery technology with lifetime protection, the company is signaling that it believes its battery packs can meet the toughest safety and durability standards now required in the market.
This announcement also fits into Chery’s broader push into advanced battery technology. The automaker is currently working with major battery suppliers including CATL and Gotion on present-generation battery cells, while also preparing for solid-state battery mass production as early as 2027. Solid-state batteries are widely viewed as a potential breakthrough for electric vehicles because they could offer improved safety, higher energy density, faster charging, and longer lifespan compared with many current lithium-ion battery designs.
Chery’s lifetime EV battery warranty could also influence the wider electric vehicle industry. Battery health remains one of the biggest concerns for EV buyers, especially those considering long-term ownership or resale value. A lifetime warranty may help reduce anxiety around battery degradation, repair costs, and safety risks.
It could also put pressure on rival automakers to offer longer battery warranties. Some companies in China are already exploring extended coverage, including efforts to push battery warranty periods toward 15 years for both first and later owners. The issue is becoming more urgent as early-generation electric vehicles age and enter the used car market in larger numbers.
By 2030, millions of older EVs could be circulating with expired battery warranties, potentially affecting resale prices and consumer confidence. Longer warranties and tougher safety standards may become essential for supporting the second-hand EV market and reassuring buyers that older electric cars remain safe and reliable.
For now, Chery’s lifetime battery and electric motor warranty stands out as a bold response to China’s new EV battery safety rules. If the company’s Rhino battery packs perform as promised, the policy could become a major selling point for Chery’s electric and hybrid vehicles, while encouraging stronger safety and warranty commitments across the industry.
