Chevrolet recently announced a significant shift in its approach to addressing battery concerns in 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EVs.
Owners who were previously assured of battery replacements as part of the recall are now faced with the prospect of having their batteries monitored through a new software diagnostics tool rather than receiving a complete replacement.
Background
The Chevrolet Bolt EV, once hailed as a potential “Tesla killer,” faced a setback when reports of battery defects leading to fires emerged in 2019.
Despite attempts to resolve the issue with a software update in 2020, the problem persisted, ultimately leading to a recall affecting over 140,000 Bolt EV and EUV vehicles. The battery supplier, LG Energy Solution (LGES), agreed to cover the costs of battery replacements.
Slow Rate of Replacements
Recent reports indicate that the rate of battery replacements has been slow, with less than half of the affected 2017-2019 models and only 1% of the affected 2020-2022 models having received new batteries under the recall.
Change in Strategy
In a surprising move, Chevrolet has decided to halt battery replacements altogether for the 2020-2022 Bolt EV models.
Instead, the company is offering owners a software diagnostics tool that will monitor the battery for approximately 6,200 miles (10,000 km) to detect any potential issues.
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How It Works
- If the diagnostics tool finds no anomalies after the monitoring period, the battery will be allowed to charge to 100% again.
- In the event that the tool detects an anomaly, the owner will receive an alert to schedule a battery replacement.
- This new approach applies specifically to 2020-2022 Bolt EVs, with 2017-2019 models still slated to receive complete battery replacements.
Reasoning Behind the Change
The decision to cease battery replacements reportedly came after GM discovered that a significant number of replaced battery packs were not defective.
GM updated recall documentation in May to reflect this change, aiming to use the new software tool for monitoring and identifying defective battery modules.
Also read: EV Battery in Hot Temperature: 5 Things to Know
Concerns and Uncertainties
Questions linger about the efficacy of the diagnostics tool in identifying potential issues, especially given the risk of another battery fire if the tool fails to detect a problem in time.
Additionally, concerns are raised about the impact of this strategy shift on the resale value of Bolt EVs, particularly for those who recently purchased the vehicle with the expectation of a complete battery replacement.
Conclusion
Chevrolet owners of 2020-2022 Bolt EVs now find themselves navigating this unexpected change in strategy.
The timeline for the software diagnostics tool installation and its effectiveness in ensuring the safety and performance of the batteries remain key points of interest for Bolt owners awaiting resolution.
The company has yet to address the potential long-term implications of this shift, leaving many owners with uncertainties about the fate of their Bolt EV batteries