How Does a Chinese EV Handle a Double Collision?

When an automaker decides to perform a crash test in front of an audience, it’s a clear indication of its confidence in its vehicle’s safety features. This is exactly what Chinese automaker Chery did when it demonstrated the safety of its 2025 Exeed Sterra ES electric vehicle (EV) by conducting an intense triple-car collision test. The test was carried out in Tianjin, China, and Chery’s decision to use real vehicles instead of standard crash test dummies added a layer of realism to the experiment, showcasing the strength of the Exeed Sterra ES chassis and the integrity of its battery pack.

The Crash Test Setup

The test was conducted with the assistance of the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre (CATARC) and was designed to simulate a real-world crash scenario. The test involved a U-turn accident, with one Exeed Sterra ES stationary, attempting a U-turn, while two other moving vehicles struck it from opposite sides.

This unique setup was intended to replicate a realistic collision scenario, though it’s important to note a few key differences from how such an incident would likely unfold in real life. In an actual U-turn crash, the turning vehicle would be moving when struck, and it’s unlikely that both other vehicles would be traveling at exactly the same speed. This was a significant caveat to keep in mind when assessing the test.

The Test Conditions

Two white Exeed Sterra ES vehicles, each traveling at 60 km/h (37 mph), struck the red Exeed Sterra ES from opposite angles. One of the vehicles impacted the front-right corner at a 30-degree angle, while the other slammed directly into the passenger compartment from 180 degrees. This scenario presented a tough challenge for any vehicle, but the Exeed Sterra ES was put through the paces, and the footage and images showed that it maintained a solid level of protection for its occupants.

Structural Integrity and Safety Features

The results of the crash test were impressive. Despite enduring forces of up to 35 tons (70,000 pounds), the Exeed Sterra ES maintained its structural integrity, keeping the test dummies inside the vehicle protected. Chery reported that the car’s pillars withstood the impact, and all seven airbags deployed as expected. The car’s doors also automatically unlocked, facilitating ease of access in the event of an emergency.

Another critical aspect of the test was the performance of the battery pack. Chery confirmed that the battery showed no signs of leaks, smoke, or fire—an important factor in the safety of EVs during crashes. Additionally, the high-voltage system automatically shut down, as it should in the event of a crash, preventing any further risk of electrical hazards.

The Need for Independent Validation

While the self-conducted crash test by Chery is undoubtedly impressive, questions remain about how the Exeed Sterra ES would perform under the scrutiny of independent crash tests from organizations like EuroNCAP or IIHS. Conducting in-house tests is one thing, but third-party evaluations are considered the true benchmark for vehicle safety. Independent crash tests hold vehicles to rigorous industry standards, and their results provide more reliable comparisons across different models.

Another point of consideration is the realism of the crash test scenario. Having one stationary vehicle in the test setup concentrated the impact forces on the moving vehicles, which is not representative of a real-world crash where all vehicles would be in motion. In a real U-turn accident, the energy from the impact would be distributed across the moving vehicles, dissipating the force in a more complex way. By keeping one vehicle static, the test exaggerated the impact severity and did not fully replicate how the vehicles would behave in a dynamic real-world scenario.

Conclusion

Chery’s self-conducted crash test is a bold move that showcases the company’s commitment to vehicle safety, particularly for the 2025 Exeed Sterra ES. The test demonstrated impressive results in terms of the vehicle’s structural integrity and the performance of its safety features. However, while the test offers valuable insight into the Exeed Sterra ES’s safety, the true measure of its crashworthiness will come from third-party evaluations. Until then, it’s clear that Chery is willing to go the extra mile to prove its commitment to EV safety.