Multiple EV Models with CALB 177Ah Cells Hit by Mass Battery Failures; Owners Face Obstacles in Seeking Recourse

From early to mid-July, a cluster of battery failures occurred in new energy vehicles equipped with CALB’s 177Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, resulting in 182 related consumer complaints. The affected models primarily include GAC Aion ride-hailing vehicles, as well as certain XPeng and Leapmotor models. Most of the faulty vehicles had accumulated mileage between 150,000 and 300,000 kilometers—approaching or just exceeding the manufacturer’s original 150,000-kilometer battery warranty limit. Owners reported sudden and significant drops in driving range and unexpected power loss during operation, despite no external physical damage. Some battery packs exhibited swelling, and pressure relief valves ruptured. Third-party inspection reports identified the root cause as manufacturing defects present at the cell production stage, potentially linked to shortened product validation cycles and insufficient process controls amid intensifying industry competition. During their attempts to seek redress, most owners were denied free battery replacements by authorized dealerships, which cited reasons such as exceeding the warranty mileage threshold or failure to maintain the vehicle exclusively through authorized service channels. As a result, owners were forced to bear out-of-pocket costs amounting to tens of thousands of yuan to replace entire battery packs. Legal experts noted that if a product exhibits widespread, systemic manufacturing defects, the automaker—as the primary party responsible under China’s “Three Guarantees” (repair, replacement, and return) policy—is legally obligated to provide free repairs or replacements, regardless of warranty expiration. In previous similar cases, cell suppliers have compensated automakers substantial sums for repair expenses. CALB responded by stating it is working jointly with vehicle manufacturers to investigate the issue and will issue a unified public statement subsequently. Affected owners are advised to retain inspection reports, driving logs, and maintenance records, and to submit evidence through official channels such as the 12315 consumer complaint platform to pursue their legal rights.