Geely Aegis Gold Brick battery withstands the test of a 36-tonne tank
The battery of the Galaxy E5 electric car from Chinese automaker Geely has successfully passed an unusual compression test using a 36-tonne ZTZ-59D (Type 59) tank.
Here's What We Know
The pressure applied during the test exceeded the requirements of China's new national battery safety standards by 1.8 times. There were no signs of fire, explosion or thermal runaway in the battery pack as a whole or in individual cells.
The test simulated a scenario of extreme external impact and compression of the vehicle battery system. A 36-tonne tank repeatedly drove its tracks over the battery pack before crushing individual battery cells and a group of ten cells. Despite the critical pressure, the battery pack retained its structural integrity. The examination also confirmed that the battery withstood compression forces well in excess of the new national standards.
The Aegis Gold Brick battery features compact dimensions and minimal heat dissipation. Advanced materials are used in the design, including a double-layer separator with a heat-resistant aluminium oxide coating to prevent cell rupture and thermal runaway in the event of mechanical damage.
The battery pack is protected against moisture and dust to IP68 and IPX9K standards. It uses CTB (Cell To Body) integration technology, lattice structures with four energy-absorbing cross-sections and a 2.6mm thick bottom sandwich panel. The battery architecture includes separation of fluid and electrical circuits, efficient heat dissipation and multi-level protection mechanisms.
New safety requirements in China
On 28 March, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced updated safety requirements for electric vehicle batteries (GB38031-2025). They will come into effect on 1 July 2026. The revised standards include three key safety improvements:
- New safety tests after fast charging cycles
- Increased requirements for thermal runaway protection
- New bottom impact tests
Source: Carnewschina
