General Motors said it would launch a recall and software update on Thursday to address a callback of almost 69,000 Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles for fire risks and will replace battery module assemblies as required.
The largest U.S. automaker has made an announcement regarding the recall in November following five reported fires and two minor injuries covering 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs with high voltage batteries produced at LG Chem’s Ochang, South Korea facility.
GM said dealers will use diagnostic tools to identify possible battery anomalies and replace battery module assemblies as required.
They will install advanced onboard diagnostic software into these automobiles that, among other things, have the ability to detect possible issues related to changes in battery module performance before issues can develop according to GM.
The automaker said in November the vehicles pose a fire risk when charged to full, or almost full capacity. The automaker said it had developed software that will limit vehicle charging to 90% of the entire capacity to mitigate the risk, while it figures out the appropriate final repair.
GM said Thursday that once the software update is finished, dealers will remove the 90% state of charge limitation and return the battery to its earlier 100% charging capability.
Owners of 2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs will be able to update the software from Thursday and 2017 and 2018 Bolt EVs owners will be able by the end of May.
The automaker said it will make the diagnostic software standard in the 2022 Bolt EV and EUV, and also the future GM electric vehicles, and will provide the update for all other Bolt EVs on the road at a future date.
