GM to resume Chevy Bolt EV battery production after recall

General Motors, one of the largest automakers in the US, recently found itself in hot water after reports that several Chevrolet Bolt EV batteries caught fire.

GM has issued a recall for 2019 and 2020-2022 Chevy Bolts, including the Bolt EUV.

In an earlier press release, GM said that the batteries supplied to them (which were used in the aforementioned Chevrolet Bolt EVs) may have two manufacturing defects — a torn anode tab and folded separator — present in the same battery cell, which increases the risk of fire.

GM also said that they will replace the defective battery modules in Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs with new ones.

The company’s EVP for Global Product Development, Purchasing, and Supply Chain Doug Parks said in a previous statement, “Our focus on safety and doing the right thing for our customers guides every decision we make at GM. As leaders in the transition to an all-electric future, we know that building and maintaining trust is critical. GM customers can be confident in our commitment to taking the steps to ensure the safety of these vehicles.”

On Monday, GM outlined an action plan to ensure that customers can safely and confidently drive, charge, and park the Chevy Bolt EVs and EUVs. The action plan includes both hardware and software remedies, some of which are in place with immediate effect.

GM will resume battery production in its battery plants in Holland and Hazel Park, Michigan. In addition, LG is adding capacity to provide more cells to GM. As a result, replacement battery modules will begin shipping to dealers as soon as mid-October.

LG has also implemented new manufacturing processes and has worked with GM to review and enhance its quality assurance programs.

“We’re grateful for the patience of owners and dealers as we work to advance solutions to this recall,” said Doug Parks.

“Resuming battery module production is the first step and we’ll continue to work aggressively with LG to obtain additional battery supply. In addition, we’re optimistic a new advanced diagnostic software will provide more convenience for our customers,” he added.

GM also advises its customers to leave ample space around their vehicle wherever they choose to park.

Photos from Chevrolet

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