How many Chevy Bolt fires?
The Chevy Bolt, a popular electric vehicle (EV) from General Motors (GM), has been in the spotlight for its innovative design and eco-friendly performance. However, it has also faced scrutiny due to reports of battery-related fires. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Chevy Bolt fires, the causes, and what steps GM has taken to address the issue.
The History of Chevy Bolt Fires
Since its launch, the Chevy Bolt has been involved in several incidents of battery fires. These fires were primarily linked to defects in the lithium-ion battery packs supplied by LG Chem, a major battery manufacturer. The issue first came to light in 2020, when GM began investigating reports of fires in parked vehicles.
By 2021, GM had confirmed at least 13 Chevy Bolt fires caused by battery defects. These incidents prompted a massive recall of all Chevy Bolt EVs and EUVs manufactured between 2017 and 2022. The recall affected over 140,000 vehicles globally, making it one of the largest EV recalls in history.
What Caused the Fires?
The fires were traced back to two manufacturing defects in the battery cells:
- A torn anode tab
- A folded separator
When these two defects were present in the same battery cell, it created conditions that could lead to a short circuit and, ultimately, a fire. GM worked closely with LG Chem to identify and address these issues.
GM’s Response to the Problem
To ensure customer safety and restore confidence in the Chevy Bolt, GM took the following steps:
- Issued a recall for all affected vehicles and offered free battery replacements.
- Advised owners to limit their battery charge to 90% and avoid depleting the battery below 70 miles of range until repairs were completed.
- Collaborated with LG Chem to improve manufacturing processes and ensure the quality of replacement batteries.
By 2023, GM had replaced the defective battery packs in most recalled vehicles and resumed production of the Chevy Bolt with updated, safer batteries.
Lessons Learned and the Future of EV Safety
The Chevy Bolt fires highlighted the importance of rigorous quality control in EV battery manufacturing. GM and LG Chem have since implemented stricter safety protocols to prevent similar issues in the future. Additionally, the incident has prompted the entire EV industry to prioritize battery safety and invest in advanced technologies to mitigate fire risks.
While the Chevy Bolt’s reputation took a hit, GM’s proactive response and commitment to customer safety have helped rebuild trust. The lessons learned from this experience will undoubtedly shape the future of EV development, ensuring safer and more reliable vehicles for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year did Chevy Bolt have battery problems?
As a result, GM will be conducting a recall of Bolt EVs (2017-2022) and Bolt EUVs (2022) to address the risk of battery fires in these vehicles.
What went wrong with Chevy Bolt?
Due to significant battery issues, the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV has faced a major recall. GM identified that the high-voltage lithium-ion cells, sourced from LG Energy Solution, could potentially catch fire when charged to total or near-full capacity. This led to the recall of all 2020-2022 Bolt EV and EUV models.
What cars are being recalled for catching fire?
Consumer Alert: Kia Issues 'Park Outside' Recall for Certain 2020-2024 Telluride Vehicles for Fire Risk. Kia America has issued a “park outside” recall for 462,869 model year 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles because of a risk of fire while parked or driving.
Is the Chevy Bolt being recalled for fire hazard?
General Motors Co. is recalling some Chevrolet Bolt battery-powered electric cars because they are at risk of catching fire, three years after a larger callback of the all-electric model for a similar hazard. The latest action targets 107 Bolts from model years 2020-2022, the company said in documents posted Nov.
Is Chevy Bolt safe now?
2023 Bolt EV Safety
While the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is yet to undergo a full NHTSA or IIHS review, the 2021 model managed to score a perfect five out of five stars from the NHTSA. The 2022 and 2023 variants have only been tested for their rollover prevention capabilities, scoring four stars.
Is Chevy Bolt EUV safe?
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV has been crash tested by the NHTSA and earned top safety ratings of five stars in every field save from rollover tests, which only managed four stars. The IIHS has not taken a look at the crossover, and it has only rated the roof strength of the regular Bolt EV.
Is Chevy discontinuing the Bolt?
GM ended Bolt production on December 20, 2023.
How many Chevy bolts were recalled?
A few years back, General Motors had to recall 142,000 Bolts in a major fiasco due to fire risk. This time around, however, just a small number of Bolts are being recalled, only 107. But the risk of fire is deemed high – according to the NHTSA – if these vehicles are charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Is Bolt car safe?
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV has been crash tested by the NHTSA and earned top safety ratings of five stars in every field save from rollover tests, which only managed four stars.
How much is a Chevy Bolt battery replacement?
While some of the original batteries for the Bolt EV were 60 kWh packs, the newer generation is a 66-kWh pack (which most Bolt EVs and all Bolt EUVs will have after the 2021 recall). Based on average EV battery pricing at $153 per kWh, a fast estimate for a Bolt's replacement battery would come in at about $10,100.
