GM is recalling more than 50,000 Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles because of a fire risk.
"Through out initial investigation, we have confirmed five fires that could be related to the high voltage battery in the Bolt EV," says Bolt Executive Cheif Engineer Jesse Ortega.
Two people have suffered smoke inhalation.
The vehicles being recalled are 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolts, with batteries that were manufactured by LG Chem and imported from South Korea. Some 2019 Bolts, and all 2020 Bolts, have batteries that were made at an LG Chem plant in Holland, Michigan. They are not subject to the recall.
All of the fires occurred while the Bolts were at or near full charge. Bolt owners can watch this video from GM for safety information.
"As part of this recall, dealerships will reflash the vehicles battery software to limit the vehicles state of charge to 90 percent," says Ortega. He also recommends that owners adjust battery charge settings on the vehicles to limit the state of charge.
GM says until the batteries are adjusted, the Bolts should not be parked in a garage or carport.
The company is still investigating the exact cause of the fires, and still working on a permanent fix, which will be done at a later date.
GM's recall coming shortly after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the vehicle. The company says it's been cooperating with the federal investigation.
