Chevy Bolt Battery Replacement: GM to Begin Recall Fix Next Month

GM Resumes Battery Module Replacement for Chevy Bolt EVs and EUVs

General Motors announced on Monday that the replacement of battery modules in recalled Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV vehicles will commence as early as next month. This follows the resumption of cell production by supplier LG Chem at its Michigan-based facilities.

Module Shipment and Vehicle Servicing

The company confirmed that replacement modules, constructed from lithium-ion battery cells, are scheduled to be delivered to dealerships starting in mid-October. Chevy Bolt EV owners can then schedule appointments to have the faulty modules exchanged for new ones.

Production Halt and Recall Details

Production of the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV was initially paused in August due to a shortage of battery packs. This shortage stemmed from the extensive safety recall affecting both electric vehicle models. The production stoppage was subsequently extended on two separate occasions.

The recall encompasses all Chevy Bolt EV and EUV models manufactured from 2017 onwards. Investigations revealed two distinct manufacturing flaws within the battery cells – a torn anode tab and a folded separator – which elevate the potential for fire incidents.

Safety Recommendations for Bolt Owners

As a precautionary measure, GM previously advised Bolt owners to limit the vehicle’s state of charge to 90%. They were also instructed to avoid discharging the battery below a 70-mile range and to increase charging frequency.

GM continues to recommend parking Bolt EV and EUV vehicles outdoors immediately following charging. Overnight indoor charging is also discouraged.

LG Chem's Improvements

LG Chem has implemented new manufacturing procedures and collaborated with GM to enhance its quality control protocols. These improvements are intended to ensure the reliability of its batteries going forward.

The battery supplier intends to integrate these updated processes across all facilities providing cells to GM.

Ongoing Challenges for GM

Doug Parks, GM’s executive vice president of global product development, purchasing and supply chain, acknowledged that restarting battery module production represents an initial step. However, the Chevy Bolt EV issue remains unresolved.

Completing the replacement process for all recalled vehicles and restoring owner confidence in the safety of charging and parking these vehicles are crucial next steps.

Advanced Diagnostic Software

GM is developing a new advanced diagnostic software package to aid in this process. Dealers will be required to install this software within the next 60 days.

This software is designed to identify specific anomalies that may indicate a damaged battery within Bolt EV and EUV models by continuously monitoring battery performance.

Restoring Full Charging Capacity

According to GM, the software will notify customers of any detected irregularities. Once all diagnostic procedures are finalized, customers will be permitted to return to a 100% state of charge.

Future EV Plans and Battery Supply

GM plans to introduce 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2030 and securing a consistent battery cell supply is paramount. LG Chem remains a key, long-standing partner in this effort.

Parks stated that GM will “continue to work aggressively with LG to obtain additional battery supply.”