In 2025, Chinese automaker Chery Group shattered records with over 1.34 million export sales, maintaining its 23-year streak as China's top passenger car exporter—averaging one vehicle shipped every 23 seconds. This triumph unfolds against a backdrop of global EV market turbulence, including a drastic cut in Tesla's battery material deal with Korean supplier L&F from $2.9 billion to just $7,386, signaling delays in 4680 battery production. Meanwhile, cutting-edge tech like the BEV-Patch-PF navigation system promises to revolutionize autonomous driving for off-road EVs, potentially benefiting Chinese brands pushing into rugged terrains.
Chery's Stellar 2025 Performance: Balanced Growth in a Volatile Market
Chery's 2025 scorecard exemplifies resilient, multi-pillar expansion in the Chinese EV and automotive sectors. Far from relying on single-market hype, the group delivered balanced results across traditional fuel, new energy vehicles (NEVs), exports, and emerging tech.
- Export Milestone: 1.34 million units exported, capturing 1 in every 5 Chinese cars shipped abroad.
- Domestic Strength: Chery brand hit 1.7 million units; Jetour (Jetto) surged to 620,000+ with its travel-focused SUVs.
- NEV Boom: 54.9% year-over-year growth, powered by hits like Fengyun A9L, Zhijie series, and iCAR V23 across PHEV, BEV, and extended-range models.
- Quality Accolades: J.D. Power 'Autonomous Five Crown King' (top in quality, service, appeal, reliability); 60 models with global 5-star safety ratings.
Chery's 'Four New' strategy—new fuel, new energy, new exports, new industries—fuels this. New fuel models like Tiggo 9X integrate smart ADAS, blending ICE efficiency (up to 48% thermal efficiency via Kunpeng engine) with EV-like intelligence. NEVs leverage modular platforms, solid-state batteries, and mega-watt fast charging.
| Category | 2025 Sales (millions) | YoY Growth | Key Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chery Brand | 1.7 | Steady | Tiggo series |
| Jetour | 0.62 | High | Travel+ SUVs |
| NEV Total | N/A (54.9% growth) | 54.9% | Fengyun A9L, Zhijie, iCAR V23 |
| Exports | 1.34 | Record | Global lineup |
Tesla's 4680 Setback: Ripple Effects on Global Battery Supply
Contrast Chery's ascent with Tesla's struggles. L&F's supply deal for high-nickel cathode materials—intended for 4680 cells—plummeted 99.7% amid production hurdles and softening EV demand. Elon Musk's 2020 vision of affordable $25,000 autonomous EVs using 4680 tech remains stalled, limited to underperforming Cybertruck.
Analysts cite low yields from dry-electrode processes and post-subsidy demand drops. This mirrors broader woes: LG Energy Solution lost $9.4B potential revenue canceling Ford deals; SK On axed U.S. Ford JV; Ford wrote off $19.5B in EV assets. Korean battery giants face anxiety as U.S. policy shifts under Trump curb aggressive EV ramps.
Tech Breakthrough: BEV-Patch-PF Boosts Off-Road Autonomy
A University of Texas breakthrough could supercharge Chinese EVs' global push. The BEV-Patch-PF (Bird’s-Eye View-Patch-Particle Filter) system enables GPS-free navigation using onboard cameras and aerial imagery. It slashes trajectory errors by 7x—even in dense vegetation or shadows—ideal for rugged SUVs from Chery, BYD, or Geely's Zeekr.
This particle filter fused with learned BEV features unlocks real-time, robust positioning, paving the way for advanced ADAS in off-road Chinese EVs targeting emerging markets.
Why This Matters: Global Implications for Chinese EVs
Chery's export dominance underscores China's shift from volume to value in EVs—1.34M units exported via localized production (e.g., Spain factory) and ESG compliance like Europe's first China-EU carbon footprint cert. It contrasts Tesla's woes, highlighting diversified tech paths (PHEV, REEV, BEV) over risky bets like 4680.
For global players, Chery's robot exports (e.g., Mojia humanoids to 30+ countries) and HKEX listing signal a tech ecosystem beyond cars. BEV-Patch-PF-like innovations could arm Chinese brands against Western sanctions, enabling superior autonomy in GPS-denied zones.
Looking Ahead: Chery's Path to Ecosystem Leadership
Expect Chery to hit Fortune 500's #233 spot, fueling R&D in solid-state batteries and AI. As Tesla recalibrates, Chinese EV makers like Chery, leveraging 'super tech shelves' (global labs, modular platforms), will capture share in Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Watch for more PHEV/REEV hybrids and ADAS integrations—positioning China as the EV innovation vanguard.
