GM asks Chevy Bolt EV drivers to park 50 feet from other vehicles, due to fire hazard



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As it strives to replace battery modules in Chevrolet Bolt EV models to resolve battery fire issues, General Motors is urging owners not to park within 50 feet of other vehicles or on them. open levels of parking garages, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.

The automaker has launched a recall, which now includes all approximately 140,000 Bolt EV and Bolt EUV vehicles in North America, after two specific manufacturing defects in the battery cells of GM partner LG Chem resulted in 10 reported fires. .

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

GM had previously instructed customers to tune their vehicles to a maximum state of charge of 90 percent, to charge their vehicles more frequently and not to let range drop below 70 miles, and to park their vehicles in the park. outside immediately after charging. The automaker also warned owners not to load vehicles into a garage overnight.

The problem dates back to last fall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into fire complaints with the Bolt EV in October. GM began asking owners of 2017-2019 Bolt EV models to limit the charge to 90% in November as it assessed the situation.

In February, GM released new software it said would restore the full lineup and help deal with any fire risk. But in August, GM announced it would replace the battery modules and extended its efforts to all Bolt EV and EUV ever made.

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Reuters also reported that a production shutdown at GM’s Orion assembly plant, which is expected to last at least September 24, was “the result of a battery shortage” related to the recall. Sales of the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV were also halted until a satisfactory remedy was found.

Owners are still waiting for this fix, but GM has confirmed that when it’s ready, it could give many owners more autonomy than it originally did. Those with older Bolt EVs should get replacement battery modules with the new chemistry that has expanded the lineup of newer models.

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