Quick Answer
At Battery IQ, we have analysed the new FoxESS CQ6 battery launched in Australia on 6 January 2026. The standout feature is its 12-year warranty with 70% capacity retention, longer than Tesla, BYD, Sungrow, and Sigenergy (all 10 years). With 11.98 to 83.86 kWh modular capacity, LFP chemistry, and CEC approval for the federal rebate, the CQ6 positions FoxESS as a serious competitor in the Australian home battery market.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Product: FoxESS CQ6 home battery
- Capacity: 11.98 kWh to 83.86 kWh (modular)
- Warranty: 12 years, 70% capacity retention
- Chemistry: LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
- Efficiency: >95% round-trip
- CEC Approved: 5 December 2025
- Australian Launch: 6 January 2026
- Rebate Eligible: Yes, approximately $336/kWh in 2026
FoxESS has quietly become one of the fastest-growing battery manufacturers globally. On 6 January 2026, FoxESS officially launched the CQ6 in Australia, a new flagship battery that leads with its most compelling feature: a 12-year warranty.
That matches or exceeds warranties from Tesla, BYD, Sungrow, and Sigenergy. For a brand previously positioned in the "budget tier", this is a significant statement of confidence.
At Battery IQ, we spotted the CQ6 on the CEC approved batteries list on 5 December 2025, a full month before the official announcement. This early detection is exactly why we monitor CEC approvals weekly.
What Are the FoxESS CQ6 Specifications?
The CQ6 is the FoxESS flagship residential battery for the Australian market. Here are the official specifications from the manufacturer datasheet:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Usable Capacity | 11.98 kWh to 83.86 kWh (modular) |
| Round-Trip Efficiency | >95% |
| Chemistry | LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) |
| Warranty | 12 years, 70% retention |
| CEC Approval Date | 5 December 2025 |
| Rebate Eligible | Yes (CEC approved) |
| Australian Distribution | OSW, Solar Juice, FoxESS direct |
The modular design means you can start with a 12 kWh system and expand up to nearly 84 kWh, making it suitable for everything from standard homes to larger properties or small commercial applications.
Why Does the 12-Year Warranty Matter?
Battery warranties have become a key differentiator in the Australian market. At Battery IQ, we consider warranty duration alongside capacity retention guarantees when evaluating batteries.
Here is how the CQ6 12-year warranty compares to major competitors:
| Battery | Warranty Duration | Capacity Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Enphase IQ 5P | 15 years | 80% |
| FoxESS CQ6 | 12 years | 70% |
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 10 years | 70% |
| Sigenergy SigenStor | 10 years | 70% |
| BYD HVS/HVM | 10 years | 80% |
| Sungrow SBR | 10 years | 60% |
| FoxESS ECS (previous) | 10 years | 70% |
The 70% Retention is Standard
The CQ6 offers 70% capacity retention, matching Tesla Powerwall 3 and Sigenergy. BYD offers a higher 80% retention but with a shorter 10-year term. Enphase leads with 15 years at 80%. At Battery IQ, we see the CQ6 warranty as competitive: two extra years at the same retention level as Tesla is meaningful.
How Does the CQ6 Compare to Other Popular Batteries?
At Battery IQ, we compare batteries on capacity, efficiency, warranty, and value. The CQ6 sits in an interesting position: budget-tier pricing with mid-tier features.
| Battery | Max Capacity | Efficiency | Warranty | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FoxESS CQ6 | 83.86 kWh | >95% | 12 years (70%) | Budget-Mid |
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 54 kWh (4 units) | 97.5% | 10 years (70%) | Premium |
| Sigenergy SigenStor | 30 kWh | >95% | 10 years (70%) | Mid-Premium |
| BYD HVM | 66.2 kWh | ≥96% | 10 years (80%) | Value |
| Sungrow SBR | 102.4 kWh | >97% | 10 years (60%) | Value |
| Enphase IQ 5P | 80 kWh | 90% AC | 15 years (80%) | Premium |
What Are the Key Differences?
- Warranty leadership: The CQ6 12-year warranty exceeds Tesla, BYD, Sungrow, and Sigenergy (all 10 years)
- Efficiency gap: At >95%, the CQ6 trails Sungrow (>97%) and Tesla (97.5%), but the difference is marginal in real-world use
- Capacity flexibility: The 83.86 kWh maximum is exceptional for residential. Only Sungrow offers more at 102.4 kWh
- V2H capability: Sigenergy is the only option with integrated Vehicle-to-Home. FoxESS does not offer this
- LFP chemistry: Same safe, long-lasting chemistry used by premium brands
- Expected pricing: FoxESS typically prices 20-30% below premium brands
Who Is FoxESS and Why Are They Catching Our Attention?
FoxESS is a Chinese manufacturer founded in 2019, backed by Tsingshan Holding Group, one of the world's largest stainless steel and nickel producers. This industrial backing provides supply chain advantages and financial stability that smaller manufacturers lack.
FoxESS Timeline
- 2019: Company founded as integrated solar and storage provider
- 2020: Entered Australian market
- 2022: First batteries gain CEC approval
- October 2024: Achieved BNEF Tier 1 energy storage manufacturer status
- October 2025: Strategic partnerships with OSW (2GWh) and Solar Juice (1GWh) for Australian distribution
- 5 December 2025: CQ6 gains CEC approval
- 6 January 2026: Official Australian launch announced
What Does BNEF Tier 1 Status Mean?
The BNEF (BloombergNEF) Tier 1 designation is the industry's most respected quality benchmark. It requires manufacturers to demonstrate product quality, financial stability, and market track record. FoxESS joins Tesla, BYD, and other established names on this list. It is not an award given lightly.
What About Australian Distribution and Support?
At Battery IQ, we often hear concerns about after-sales support for budget brands. FoxESS has addressed this with a multi-channel Australian strategy: strategic partnerships with major wholesalers OSW (2GWh commitment) and Solar Juice (1GWh commitment), plus their own local team of 40 sales and 25 technical support staff. This means local warranty support and spare parts availability through established distribution networks.
Should You Consider the FoxESS CQ6?
At Battery IQ, we see the CQ6 as FoxESS transition from "budget option" to "value contender." The 12-year warranty is a bold move that signals confidence in their product.
Reasons to Consider
- 12-year warranty exceeds major competitors
- 70% capacity retention matches Tesla
- BNEF Tier 1 manufacturer status
- Strong Australian distribution (OSW, Solar Juice, direct)
- Massive capacity range (up to 84 kWh)
- Expected competitive pricing
- Same LFP chemistry as premium brands
What to Watch
- Actual Australian pricing (not yet confirmed)
- App and software experience quality
- Real-world installer feedback
- No V2H capability (consider Sigenergy if you need this)
- Limited long-term reliability data (brand is young)
Battery IQ Take
If FoxESS prices the CQ6 competitively, and early indications suggest they will, this becomes a compelling option for value-focused buyers. The 12-year warranty removes one of the main hesitations about "budget" brands. We will update our Battery Comparison 2026 guide with pricing and detailed analysis once available.
How Battery IQ Found This First
The CQ6 appeared on the CEC approved batteries list on 5 December 2025, a full month before the official January 2026 announcement. At Battery IQ, we monitor CEC approvals weekly to spot new products before they hit the market. This gives our readers early insight into what is coming to the Australian battery market.
Reviewed by: Battery IQ Energy Analysis Team
Sources: CEC Approved Batteries List (December 2025), FoxESS Official Datasheet, FoxESS AU Battery Warranty Policy V2.6 (November 2025), BloombergNEF Tier 1 List (Q4 2024), PV Magazine Australia (November 2025) | Last updated: 9 January 2026
Compare All Major Batteries
See how the CQ6 stacks up against Tesla, BYD, Sungrow, Sigenergy, and Enphase in our comprehensive comparison guide.
View Battery Comparison 2026