As many drivers around the world turn to EVs to avoid soaring fuel prices, car makers like Chery are laying out their vision for enhanced battery technology. For some of us, there can be no compromise when it comes to range. I live 200km from Sydney and would not consider an EV with a WLTP range less than 600km. Fortunately, there are many cars with batteries that can deliver more than 600 WLTP, but people like me want more. And it’s not only the range, it’s the charging time.
That’s where Chery’s ultra-fast charging battery, capable of delivering up to 500km of range in just eight minutes, is something to get excited about. Revealed at the 2026 Chery Auto Battery Night in Wuhu, the brand’s next-generation “Rhino” battery technology addresses three of the biggest barriers to EV adoption: charging time, durability, and safety.
Chery is promising a major leap forward in real-world usability. Alongside its rapid charging capability, the battery is engineered to support up to 5,000 charge cycles—positioning it as a long-life solution for both private and fleet buyers.
Solid-state technology is where it’s at— with Chery confirming significant investment in next-generation battery development. The company’s dedicated solid-state R&D team is expected to exceed 1,200 specialists, backed by more than RMB 10 billion (A$2.1 billion) in investment.
Current solid-state prototypes are already achieving energy densities of 400 Wh/kg, with a future target of 600 Wh/kg—unlocking potential driving ranges of more than 1,500km. When that happens, it’s game over.
Chery’s system uses a “three lines of defence” approach, combining advanced materials, structural protection, and cloud-based battery monitoring to deliver maximum protection.
The Rhino battery has also been subjected to extensive global testing across six extreme scenarios, including high and low temperatures, salt exposure, collisions, underbody impacts, and water immersion—ensuring durability in a wide range of real-world conditions. Engineers are targeting defect control at a one-in-a-billion level.
The technology will encompass hybrid (H Series), battery electric (E Series), and future solid-state (S Series) variants.
Chery is also leveraging AI-driven development, with over one million simulation iterations used to optimise battery performance across more than 100 key parameters.
