GM Recalling 69,000 Bolts for Fire Risk… Niiiiice

Here’s the latest today from Ben Klayman and David Shepardson at Reuters:

General Motors Co GM.N said on Friday it was recalling 68,677 electric cars worldwide that pose a fire risk after five reported fires and two minor injuries.

Reuters

Kudos to the Reuters editorial staff for deciding to round the headline up.

The recall is for 2017-2019 model-year Chevrolet Bolt EVs with high voltage batteries produced at LG Chem Ltd’s 051910.KS Ochang, Korea facility.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last month opened a preliminary investigation into the Bolt EVs after reports of three Bolts catching fire under the rear seat while parked and unattended.

Reuters

That’s not ideal.

GM said the vehicles pose a fire risk when charged to full, or nearly full capacity. GM said it has developed software that will limit vehicle charging to 90% of full capacity to mitigate the risk while GM works to determine the appropriate final repair.

Reuters

That’s a roughly 26 mile range reduction for Bolt owners. Most Teslas are configured to not charge above 80% – 90% as well.

NHTSA said in a consumer alert on Friday that Bolt owners “should park their cars outside and away from homes until their vehicles have been repaired, due to a new recall for the risk of fire”

Reuters

Uhhhh ok but then how do I charge?

Jesse Ortega, executive chief engineer for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, told reporters on a conference call that GM did not believe the problem was in all the recalled cars but felt it “prudent” to limit the state of charge in all cars as a precaution.

“We’re working together around the clock to deploy a final remedy as soon as possible after the first of the year,” Ortega said.

Reuters

Why is as soon as possible next year? Tesla would have a software update out before the story broke.

Smoke inhalation injuries were reported in a March 2019 incident in Belmont, Massachusetts. A Bolt caught fire in the driveway and the owner said strong fumes permeated the home during a three-hour fire requiring professional cleaning. The owners also reported they suffered headaches from contact with the smoke.

Reuters

Sounds like they’re pissed about paying for that professional cleaning. But hey, at least the house didn’t burn down.

Dealerships will update the vehicle’s battery software beginning next week.

Reuters

Imagine having to go to a car dealership so they could install a software update for you. And that update just cuts your range 10% so your can doesn’t catch on fire.

Last month, Hyundai Motor Co 005380.KS issued a recall for about 75,000 Kona EVs worldwide because of a possible short circuit due to what may be faulty manufacturing of its high-voltage battery cells.

Reuters

Fucking LG Chem man…

Read the full story at Reuters

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