What caused Chevy Bolt fires?
The Chevy Bolt, an all-electric vehicle produced by General Motors, has been the subject of a series of high-profile battery fires, leading to a major recall and safety concerns among owners and the public. In this article, we'll explore the underlying causes of these Chevy Bolt fires and what steps are being taken to address the issue.
Battery Defects and Overheating
The primary cause of the Chevy Bolt fires has been traced back to defects in the vehicle's lithium-ion battery cells. Investigations have revealed that certain battery cells can develop internal short circuits, leading to overheating and the potential for fires. This issue appears to be more prevalent in Bolt models produced between 2017 and 2019, though newer models have also been affected.
The battery defects are believed to be the result of a manufacturing problem at one of GM's battery suppliers. Certain battery cells were found to have a torn anode tab, which can allow the positive and negative electrodes to come into contact, triggering the short circuit and subsequent fire.
Charging and Parking Precautions
In response to the Chevy Bolt fire incidents, GM has issued several recalls and safety advisories for Bolt owners. The automaker has recommended that Bolt owners avoid charging their vehicles overnight, park their vehicles outside, and not leave their vehicles charging unattended.
Additionally, GM has developed a software update that can detect the battery defects and limit the vehicle's charging capacity to 90% to reduce the risk of fires. Bolt owners are being urged to have this software update installed as soon as possible to mitigate the fire hazard.
Ongoing Investigations and Remedies
The Chevy Bolt fires have prompted extensive investigations by GM, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and other regulatory bodies. These investigations are aimed at determining the full scope of the issue, identifying the root cause, and developing a comprehensive solution to address the battery defects.
In the meantime, GM has announced that it will be replacing the battery packs in all affected Chevy Bolt models, a costly and time-consuming process that is expected to take several months to complete. The automaker has also pledged to work closely with owners to ensure their safety and provide support during the recall and battery replacement process.
Why are Chevy bolts prohibited?
General Motors has issued a recall of all Chevrolet Bolt vehicles due to a risk of fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and General Motors are urging owners of Chevrolet Bolt vehicles to park their cars outside and away from homes and other structures due to the risk of fire.
Why is the Chevy Bolt being recalled?
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 discontinuing the Bolt?
GM ended Bolt production on December 20, 2023.
How much does it cost to replace Chevy Bolt EV battery?
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.
What is the problem with the battery in the Chevy Bolt EV?
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2020-2022 model year Chevrolet Bolt EV, and 2022 model year Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles. The high voltage batteries in these vehicles may pose a risk of fire when charged to full, or very close to full, capacity.
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.
What is the fire issue with the Chevy Bolt?
Eighteen Bolts had caught fire while parked; GM confirmed 13 of them were caused by defective batteries. GM and LG Energy Solutions, its battery maker for the impacted Bolts, replaced the defective batteries with enhanced battery packs and gave the Bolt owners new limited warranties of eight years or 100,000 miles.
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.
What is the issue with the Chevy Bolt?
GM's ongoing adjustments to its battery technology indicate its commitment to refining its EV offerings amid an evolving automotive landscape. General Motors (GM) has issued a new recall for 107 Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles, targeting the 2020 to 2022 model years due to a risk of battery-related fires.
How many years will Chevy Bolt battery last?
2023 Chevy Bolt EV batteries normally last between 3-5 years, but this is variable depending on the type of battery, weather conditions, driving habits, and more. You can prolong the life of your Bolt EV battery by: Proactively testing your battery.
