DETROIT — Common Motors introduced Monday that it expects to start changing battery modules in Chevrolet Bolt EVs, which had been recalled resulting from hearth threat, as quickly as subsequent month.

The timing comes after the automaker’s battery provider LG Chem restarted manufacturing of battery cells with up to date manufacturing processes at crops in Michigan, GM mentioned. Cell manufacturing went down final month following two uncommon manufacturing points forcing GM to recall greater than 140,000 EVs resulting from threat of the batteries spontaneously catching hearth.

GM has confirmed 13 battery fires globally. The automaker has recognized the issues as a torn anode and a folded separator, each of which must be current in the identical battery cell for a fireplace to happen. EV battery packs are made up of modules that maintain the cells.

The recall is predicted to price the automaker $1.8 billion, a few of which it’s negotiating to recoup from LG Chem, in line with GM. Relying on the automobile, GM could have to switch some, if not all, of the modules.

Along with transport new battery modules to sellers starting mid-October, GM additionally plans to roll out a software program diagnostic replace for battery monitoring within the subsequent 60 days.

GM mentioned the diagnostic software program will likely be designed to detect particular abnormalities that may point out a broken battery in Bolt EVs by monitoring the battery efficiency, alerting prospects of any anomalies and prioritizing broken battery modules for substitute.

Prospects must take their Bolt EVs right into a dealership for the battery module replacements in addition to the software program replace. Homeowners will be capable of begin to schedule software program set up in about 60 days, whereas GM has established a notification course of that can inform affected prospects when their substitute modules will likely be obtainable.

GM will prioritize Chevy Bolt prospects whose batteries had been manufactured throughout particular time frames when GM mentioned battery defects seem like clustered.

“Resuming battery module manufacturing is a primary step and we’ll proceed to work aggressively with LG to acquire further battery provide. As well as, we’re optimistic a brand new superior diagnostic software program will present extra comfort for our prospects,” Doug Parks, GM govt vp of product growth, buying and provide chain, mentioned in a launch.

The recalled autos embrace all Chevy Bolt EVs, together with a not too long ago launched bigger model of the automobile often known as the Bolt EUV.

As a result of battery downside, manufacturing of the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV has been down since Aug. 23 at a Michigan plant. GM final week confirmed manufacturing of these autos just isn’t anticipated to renew till a minimum of Oct. 15.

GM says homeowners with questions ought to go to www.chevy.com/boltevrecall, contact its Chevrolet EV assist line at 1-833-EVCHEVY or contact their most well-liked Chevrolet EV vendor.