Chery Hybrid Battery Survives Extreme Seawater Soak Test

In an unprecedented test of endurance, Chery put its Tiggo 8 CSH hybrid car battery through an extreme trial, submerging it in saltwater for over two days. The result, surprisingly, showed the battery’s continued functionality, even after facing the corrosive effects of seawater. This test marks a bold step in evaluating the resilience of electric vehicle components.

Unprecedented Battery Immersion Test

The rigorous testing of the Tiggo 8 CSH battery took place in Tangerang. The battery endured a saltwater submersion for approximately 53 hours. The trial’s initial goal was 48 hours, but the team extended it. The location presented challenging conditions. Weather shifts and the saltwater’s corrosive nature added to the test’s severity.

“So I was a little nervous because my team just completed this test and they added the target time, from the previous 48 hours to more than 50 hours,”

—Zeng Shuo, Country Director of Chery PT Sales Indonesia (CSI)

After the saltwater exposure, the Chery team removed the battery. Two batteries were used. One battery was directly reinstalled into a Tiggo 8 CSH. The other battery was disassembled for analysis. The installation required careful work. Following the reinstallation, Zheng Suo, along with Budi Darmawan, the Marketing Director of PT Chery Sales Indonesia (CSI), tested the car. The vehicle performed well, with no apparent issues.

Successful Outcome and Broader Implications

The car’s ability to start and operate smoothly was a major success of the test. The Seawater Immersion Test aims to ensure the resilience of key components. This innovative strategy of testing the battery also considers real-world driving conditions. The success follows other rigorous trials carried out in China, which included tests like the spiral rollovers and car collisions.

Notably, the test’s setting in Indonesia marked a first for the nation on an international level. Journalists from abroad, including those from Malaysia and Thailand, were present to witness the trial. It proves the battery’s ability to resist damage, even in extreme conditions. This test indicates the growing interest in EV batteries’ durability, as the market for electric vehicles continues to expand worldwide (Statista 2024).