General Motors has resumed production of battery packs for the Chevrolet Bolt line, Kallanish learns from a company announcement. 

A product-wide recall was initiated after several high-profile fires as a result of two defects in batteries produced by LG. 

“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,” GM says. “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.”

Additionally, GM will deploy a dealer-installed software upgrade to Bolts awaiting battery replacement “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 prioritising damaged battery modules for replacement,” the company says. 

“Resuming battery module production is a first step and we’ll continue to work aggressively with LG to obtain additional battery supply,” says GM executive vice president Doug Parks. “In addition, we’re optimistic a new advanced diagnostic software will provide more convenience for our customers.”