FRANKFURT — Opel is recalling all of the Ampera-e EVs that it has bought to this point to repair a battery downside that might pose a security threat to drivers.
The choice comes after Opel’s former mum or dad, Normal Motors, which constructed the Ampera-e within the U.S., instructed Opel that the battery pack can below sure situations start to smoke, soften or catch fireplace.
All 9,500 estimated Ampera-e vehicles constructed between 2016 and 2019 should be recalled, Opel stated.
GM has already stated it will recall 50,932 Chevrolet Bolts, the Ampera-e’s sister mannequin, as a result of they’ll catch fireplace even when they’re turned off, parked and disconnected from the facility grid.
An evaluation of the dangers is continuous and GM has offered “containment software program” that reduces the usable portion of the battery to attenuate hazard, Opel stated.
“Till then we advocate our clients to restrict most charging through the car’s infotainment system,” an Opel spokesman instructed Automotive Information Europe.
This implies house owners could also be compelled to take their autos in to a dealership on two separate events if an answer can not quickly be discovered.
Opel has eradicated nearly all of its legacy GM fashions because it was purchased by PSA Group in 2017.
The German automaker plans to add a full-electric Mokka to its vary along with the Corsa-e battery-powered version of the Corsa small hatchback. Each vehicles use PSA EV expertise.
By 2024, Opel goals to supply both a plug-in hybrid or full-electric model of every mannequin in its lineup as Brussels mandates additional fleet discount cuts for the European Union.
The Ampera-e went on sale in 2016 and manufacturing of the mannequin ended final yr, however some fashions can nonetheless be bought from remaining stock for a beginning worth of 41,906 euros ($50,904). The EV has a spread of 423 km (263 miles) below the WLTP check cycle.
The recall of the Ampera-e and Bolt is the newest proof of reliability issues amongst some EVs, as key elements such because the excessive voltage lithium ion battery cells show to be troublesome to supply on an industrial scale to automakers’ specs.
Hyundai stated in October it will triple the number of recalled Kona EVs over a hearth threat with battery cells, with plans to name again about 51,000 autos in Europe, North America, China and different markets.