LATEST NEWS
September 21, 2021
Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Production Resumes
- LG battery cell and module production resumes with updated manufacturing processes
- Battery module replacements to begin in October
- GM to introduce new advanced diagnostics software
General Motors today outlined a comprehensive action plan to ensure that customers can safely and confidently drive, charge, and park the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV. The action plan includes both hardware and software remedies, some of which are in place with immediate effect.
"We're grateful for the patience of owners and dealers as we work to advance solutions to this recall." said Doug Parks, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. "Resuming battery module production is a 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."
New battery production
LG battery plants in Holland and Hazel Park, Michigan, have resumed production. 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.
The root cause of the rare circumstances that could cause battery fire is two manufacturing defects known as a torn anode and a folded separator, both of which need to be present in the same battery cells.
LG has implemented new manufacturing processes and has worked with GM to review and enhance its quality assurance programs to provide confidence in its batteries moving forward. LG will institute these new processes in other facilities that will provide cells to GM in the future.
Prioritized battery replacement
GM will continue to prioritize Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV customers whose batteries were manufactured during specific build timeframes where GM believes battery defects appear to be clustered. The company has established a notification process that will inform affected customers when their replacement modules will be available.
The new batteries will include an extended battery 8-year/160,000 km limited warranty.
New advanced diagnostic software
Within approximately 60 days, GM will begin launching a new advanced diagnostic software package that will increase the available battery charging parameters over existing guidance.
The diagnostic software will be designed to detected specific abnormalities that might indicate a damage battery in Bolt EVs and EUVs by monitoring the battery performance; alerting customers of any anomalies; and priorities damaged battery modules for replacement. It is GM's intent that further diagnostic software will allow customers to return to a 100 percent state of change once all diagnostic processes are complete.
The new software, which will be provided to all Bolt EV and EUV owners, requires dealer installation. Owners will be to start to schedule installation at their Chevy EV dealer in approximately 60 days.
Updating guidance on parking
If customers are following GM's instructions issued below, they can park in a location of their choice. In an abundance of caution, GM recommends customers leave ample space around their vehicle wherever they choose to park. GM is not aware of any tires have occurred where customers followed this safety guidance, in parking decks or otherwise.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Out of an abundance of caution, GM will replace defective lithium ion battery modules in Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs with new lithium ion modules. We will notify customers when replacement part are ready. We are asking customers to take the following steps until the new remedy has been performed:
- Set your vehicle to a 90 percent state of charge limitation using Hilltop Reserve mode (2017 - 2018 model years) or Target Charge Level (for 2019 - 2022 model year) mode. Instructions on how to do this are available in the video below. If you are unable to successfully make these changes, or do not feel comfortable make these changes, GM is asking you to visit your dealer to have these adjustments completed.
- Charge your vehicle more frequently and avoid depleting your battery below approximately 113 kilometers of remaining range, where possible.
- Park your vehicle outside immediately after charging and do not leave your vehicle charging indoors overnight.
If you have any further questions, contact our dedicated customer support team at 1-800-263-3777. (Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 9:00pm EST. Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm EST.) or contact your preferred Chevrolet Bolt EV dealer for the latest information.
Charge Level Instructions
