Detroit
General Motors said it was recalling 68,677 electric cars worldwide that pose a fire risk after five reported fires and two minor injuries.
The recall is for 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs with high voltage batteries produced at LG Chem’s South Korean facility.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last month opened a preliminary investigation into the Bolt EVs after reports of three Bolts catching fire.
GM said the vehicles pose a fire risk when charged to full, or nearly full capacity. The Detroit automaker said it had developed software that will limit vehicle charging to 90% of full capacity to mitigate the risk, while it determines the appropriate final repair.
“We’re working together around the clock to deploy a final remedy as soon as possible after the first of the year,” Jesse Ortega, executive chief engineer for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, told reporters on a conference call.—Reuters
