Xiaomi has introduced its new Dragonscale EV battery, developed with Chinese battery makers CALB and Sunwoda. The company is also offering an unusual lifetime guarantee linked to battery fires.
Under the new guarantee, owners could receive a replacement vehicle if a Dragonscale battery catches fire because of a manufacturing defect.
Xiaomi offers lifetime fire protection
If a Dragonscale battery causes a vehicle fire because of a manufacturing defect, Xiaomi says it will provide the owner with a new SUV from the same Skynomad series and trim.
The replacement will not be reduced because of the vehicle’s age or mileage. That gives the guarantee a significant advantage over programs that base compensation on the car’s depreciated value.
Xiaomi will also provide compensation in some collision-related fire cases. If a battery fire follows a crash, the company says it will cover the difference between the insurance payment and the vehicle’s market value immediately before the incident.
However, the guarantee comes with conditions.
It applies only to privately used vehicles owned by their first owner. Rideshare vehicles, rental cars and used vehicles are excluded.
Owners must also maintain an active Xiaomi connected-services subscription. Repairs and maintenance must be carried out through Xiaomi-authorized service centres.
Xiaomi follows other Chinese automakers
Xiaomi is not the first Chinese automaker to offer extensive protection against battery fires.
Earlier this year, Chery introduced its Rhino Battery Safety Program. The program provides a lifetime warranty covering the battery, motor and control unit. It also promises a replacement vehicle if thermal runaway destroys the car.
Buick has offered a similar guarantee for the Electra E5. Its program promises a free replacement vehicle if a fire occurs during the first year. However, its coverage is narrower than the programs announced by Xiaomi and Chery.
New battery rules raise safety standards
The new guarantees come as China introduces tougher requirements for EV batteries.
China’s GB 38031-2025 standard, often described as the “no fire, no explosion” rule, took effect in July.
The previous standard focused on providing a warning before ignition. The new rules go further.
Battery packs must now remain stable for two hours after thermal runaway begins. They must also prevent flames and smoke from entering the passenger cabin.
The standard includes additional underbody impact testing. It also requires greater protection against damage linked to fast charging.
Dragonscale battery targets higher safety
Xiaomi says its Dragonscale battery goes beyond the new requirements.
The battery uses a high-voltage isolation system that can respond within milliseconds. It also features a cloud-connected battery management system.
The system monitors individual cell data at a much higher frequency than the minimum required by regulations. That technology explains why Xiaomi requires an active connected-services subscription for the guarantee.
The battery is scheduled to launch on September 7 with the Skynomad N90 and N70.
The vehicles will use a large 76 kWh battery. Xiaomi says the setup will deliver exceptionally long range for an extended-range electric vehicle, or EREV.
It remains unclear whether the Dragonscale battery will also appear in Xiaomi’s SU7 or YU7 models.
Xiaomi is also preparing to expand into Europe. If the lifetime fire guarantee remains part of its offering, the feature could become an important selling point as the company enters the European EV market.
