DETROIT– Basic Motors plans to recall sure Chevrolet Bolts for the second time in lower than a 12 months to switch faulty battery modules after clients who accomplished a earlier recall treatment continued to report battery fires.
GM didn’t say when the replacements would begin.
“We’re working with our provider and manufacturing groups to find out tips on how to greatest expedite battery capability for module alternative underneath this recall,” spokesman Dan Flores instructed Automotive Information. “Groups are working across the clock to search out methods to extend battery availability.”
As GM targets an all-electric portfolio by 2035, the automaker has touted its early EV entry, the Bolt, which launched in 2016. The automaker greater than doubled Bolt gross sales within the first half of this 12 months and expanded into new markets.
GM and provider LG Chem recognized two uncommon manufacturing defects in the identical battery cell, which has led to the fires, GM stated in an emailed assertion.
GM believes the reason for the fires is said to manufacturing defects within the manufacturing of the battery cells by LG in South Korea, stated Flores. The defect may lead to a warmth supply or a brief in a cell, which may trigger a hearth.
Bolts constructed for the 2017 and 2018 mannequin years used the LG Chem batteries made in South Korea. For the 2019 mannequin 12 months, some Bolts have been constructed with the Korean batteries, whereas others used LG Chem batteries made in Holland, Mich. GM stated Bolts constructed with the Michigan batteries weren’t affected.
The automaker in April developed a solution for the preliminary battery defect, six months after NHTSA launched an investigation into sure Bolts catching fireplace. A month after NHTSA started investigating, GM recalled 68,667 Bolts from the 2017 to 2019 mannequin years.
GM developed a diagnostic instrument to determine potential battery anomalies and exchange battery module assemblies as mandatory. Sellers additionally put in superior on-board diagnostic software program that may detect potential points associated to modifications in battery module efficiency earlier than issues happen.
Even after GM’s repair, at the least two Bolt drivers reported fires. In a single case, a 2019 Bolt owned by Vermont Rep. Timothy Briglin, a supporter of EVs within the state legislature, caught fire whereas charging in his driveway.
Till alternative battery components are prepared, GM is advising clients to return their automobile to the 90 p.c state of cost limitation utilizing Hilltop Reserve mode (2017-2018 mannequin years) or Goal Cost Stage (2019 mannequin 12 months). GM additionally asks clients to cost their automobile after every use and to keep away from depleting their battery under 70 miles of remaining vary. The automaker means that clients proceed to park their automobiles exterior instantly after charging and keep away from in a single day charging.
GM additionally recommends that clients who haven’t acquired the superior diagnostics software program, GM’s preliminary battery treatment, go to their supplier for the replace.
GM stated 2020 Bolts are usually not affected as a result of they have been constructed with a special battery chemistry that elevated vary. All Bolts are powered by GM’s previous-generation battery structure, not the proprietary Ultium battery that can energy its future EV lineup, which incorporates the GMC Hummer pickup and SUV, Cadillac Lyriq and Chevrolet Silverado EV.