General Motors has issued a second recall of its 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs after a minimum of two of the electrical autos that had been repaired for a earlier drawback erupted into flames.
The automaker stated Friday that officers with GM and LG Energy Solution, which provides the automobile’s battery cells, have recognized a second “uncommon manufacturing defect” within the EVs that will increase the danger of fireside. The recall covers about 69,000 of the vehicles globally, together with almost 51,000 within the U.S.
To repair the issue, GM stated it’ll change faulty battery modules within the autos, which may be expensive however might be free to homeowners. The automaker says the restore is totally different than the earlier repair, which largely relied on software program and, in some instances, alternative modules.
“We’re working with our provider and manufacturing groups to find out the right way to greatest expedite battery capability for module alternative underneath the recall,” GM spokesman Dan Flores stated in an electronic mail. “These groups are working across the clock on this difficulty.”
The corporate “will notify prospects when alternative components are prepared,” Flores stated.
Within the meantime, GM is asking impacted Bolt EV homeowners to set their autos to a 90% state of cost limitation utilizing Hilltop Reserve mode (for 2017-2018 mannequin years) or Goal Cost Stage (for 2019 mannequin yr) mode.
GM is also asking homeowners to keep away from depleting their battery beneath roughly 70 miles of remaining vary and, as suggested final week, proceed to not park their autos inside or cost them unattended in a single day “out of an abundance of warning.”
The fist recall of the Bolt EVs attributable to fires was announced in November by GM and the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration. The automaker rolled out what it believed was a everlasting repair for the issue earlier this yr.
One of many latest fires occurred whereas the automobile was charging at the home of a Vermont state lawmaker earlier this month. The opposite hearth occurred in New Jersey.
The NHTSA final week stated battery cell packs within the impacted autos have the potential to smoke and ignite internally, which might unfold to the remainder of the automobile and trigger a construction hearth if the automobile is parked inside a storage or close to a home.
GM has purchased again among the recalled autos however the firm has declined to say what number of. Automakers typically purchase again recalled autos to appease sad prospects and keep away from triggering state lemon legal guidelines and litigation.
GM says homeowners with questions ought to go to www.chevy.com/boltevrecall or contact its Chevrolet EV assist line at 1-833-EVCHEVY or contact their most well-liked Chevrolet EV supplier.