General Motors is recalling more Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles due to potential battery cell defects that could increase the risk of fire. This latest recall, announced by the carmaker on Friday, is the third time GM has issued a consumer notice for Bolt. The second recall, which was issued in July, covered the 2017 to 2019 Bolt EVs.
Now, GM is extending that memory to additional 9,335 2019 model year bolts, as well as 63,683 2020–2022 Bolt EVs and UV vehicles. “In rare cases, the battery supplied to GMK for this vehicle may have two production defects – a torn anode tab and a folding divider – present in the same battery cell, which increases the risk of fire,” the company said in a press release. It added that it was working with its cell supplier, South Korea’s LG, on the issue.
GM is expected to spend an additional $1 billion on the recall – which the company already has over $800 million for the previous recall.
Costs associated with fixing faulty bolt batteries accounted for the lion’s share of GM’s $1.3 billion Warranty spending last quarter, earnings call earlier this month. GM recommends that bolt drivers set the vehicle to a state of 90% charge limitation and not deplete the battery below the 70-mile limit.
The car manufacturer advises parking outside the car immediately after charging and not leaving the car charging outside the house overnight – probably due to the risk of fire. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has issued recommendations for bolt drivers to park their vehicles away from their own homes. Grand Rapids, Mish. – General Motors said Friday that it is recalling all Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles sold worldwide to address battery issues that could cause fires.
The recall raises questions about lithium-ion batteries, which are now used in almost all-electric vehicles. As part of a larger effort to combat climate change, President Joe Biden wants to convert 50% of the U.S. vehicle fleet from internal combustion to electricity by 2050. The recall announced on Friday added about 73,000 bolts from 2019 to the 2022 model year, recalling the previous 69,000 old bolts. GM said that in rare cases the battery has two production defects that could cause a fire.
