As battery module replacements continue under the previously announced recall, Chevrolet has informed owners of 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs who have not received their replacement battery module that it will begin installation of a software update that will allow owners to remove the parking and overnight charging limitations on their vehicles while we work on building replacement battery modules. We expect that this software update will be available for all other Bolt EV and EUV owners in the recall population in the coming weeks.

The new software automatically sets the vehicle’s maximum state of charge to 80%, allowing owners to safely resume:

• Charging indoors overnight;
• Depleting their vehicle’s battery below 113 km (70 miles) of range, resulting in greater overall vehicle range compared to GM’s prior interim charging guidance; and
• Parking indoors after charging.

This software is not the final recall remedy and affected owners will be notified when battery modules are available for replacement.

Owners of 2019 Bolt EVs who have not received their replacement battery module should schedule a service appointment at their preferred Chevrolet EV dealer as soon as possible to have the software installed.

Other model year owners will receive a letter from GM when the software is available for their vehicles. In the meantime, these owners should continue to follow the previous guidelines, which are outlined in the WHAT YOU SHOULD DO section on this page.

LG battery cell and module production resumes with updated manufacturing processes

Battery module replacements to begin in late 2021

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 Chevrolet 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 a 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 cell. 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.

Advanced propulsion battery components installed by authorized Chevrolet EV dealers as a part of the remedy procedure prescribed under the High Voltage Battery Safety Recall will be warranted by General Motors of Canada Company for 8 years or 160,000 kilometre, whichever comes first, from the date of installation, in accordance with the terms, conditions, and limitations contained the New Vehicle Limited Warranty booklet provide at the time the vehicle was first delivered in Canada. See the below FAQ “Can GM provide more specifics related to the warranty?” for additional important information.

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 detect specific abnormalities that might indicate a damaged battery in Bolt EVs and EUVs by monitoring the battery performance; alerting customers of any anomalies; and prioritizing damaged battery modules for replacement. This new software, which will be provided to all Bolt EV and EUV owners, requires dealer installation. Owners will be able to start to schedule installation at their Chevrolet EV dealer in approximately 60 days.

Guidance on parking

If customers are following GM’s instructions issued under the WHAT YOU SHOULD DO section on this page, 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 fires that have occurred where customers followed this safety guidance, in parking decks or otherwise.