Chery claims 500km range in 8 minutes with new battery, eyes 1500km

Chery has detailed its future electric vehicle technology roadmap, headlined by a next-generation battery it claims can deliver up to 500km of driving range from just eight minutes of charging.

The Chery Group – which includes locally-offered brands Chery and Omoda Jaecoo – says its new-generation ‘Rhino’ battery will underpin a 'broad range' of electrified models, including hybrid, full electric, and future solid-state vehicles across both brands.

Revealed at the 2026 Chery Auto Battery Night in Wuhu, the company says the ultra-fast charging Rhino battery isn’t just about outright charging speed. It’s been engineered for longevity too, with a claimed lifespan of up to 5000 charge cycles.

Safety is also a major focus. The company has introduced what it calls a “three lines of defence” system, combining advanced materials, reinforced structural protection, and cloud-based monitoring designed to detect potential issues before they escalate.

Chery say the battery has been subjected to extensive global testing, including high and low temperatures, salt exposure, collisions, underbody impacts, and water immersion. Chery add that its production process is equally rigorous, targeting defect rates as low as one in a billion for mass production.

Solid-state technology is another key pillar of the brand’s strategy. Chery confirmed it’s investing heavily in next-generation battery development, with a dedicated research team expected to exceed 1200 personnel, backed by RMB 10 billion (approximately NZ$2.3 billion) in funding.

Current solid-state prototypes are already achieving energy densities of 400Wh/kg, with a roadmap targeting 600Wh/kg. If realised, that could unlock a driving range of more than 1500km.

This technology push forms part of the company’s broader sustainability goals. Chery is aiming to cut per-vehicle emissions by 60 per cent by 2030 compared to 2023 levels, achieve operational carbon neutrality by 2037, and reach full value chain neutrality by 2047.

Closer to home, Chery says growing interest in electrified vehicles is already translating into sales momentum in New Zealand, as fuel prices continue to climb.

Speaking with CarExpert, Chery Australia and New Zealand chief operating officer Lucas Harris said interest in the brand’s electrified models has “increased dramatically”.

That shift is beginning to show in the numbers. The Omoda E5 and Jaecoo J5 EV have combined for around 150 sales month-to-date, signalling a clear uptick in EV demand locally.