Korea GM to Replace High-Voltage Batteries in Domestic Bolt EV Sales... Full-Scale from Next Month

New Software Update Also Detects Rare Battery Anomalies

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Korea GM announced on the 2nd that it has decided to replace the high-voltage batteries of Bolt EVs sold domestically as the final solution for the Bolt EV recall.

Earlier, technical experts from General Motors (GM) and LG discovered during the investigation of the Bolt EV fire incidents in the United States earlier this year that two rare manufacturing defects simultaneously existed in the same battery cell, identifying this as the root cause.

Subsequently, GM analyzed the entire production process of the battery cells suspected of defects and the manufacturing history of vehicles equipped with those parts, and classified the battery replacement priority by model year regardless of the vehicle's release market, organizing a global battery replacement schedule.

Accordingly, Korea GM will conduct the first battery recall targeting a total of 10,608 Bolt EVs from the 2017 to 2019 model years sold domestically, and plans to begin full-scale replacement work from January next year by sourcing new batteries from North America. Afterward, considering the production date of the battery cells installed in the vehicles subject to replacement, the capacity of service centers, and additional battery shipment schedules, battery replacements will be carried out sequentially starting with customers classified as priority.

In addition, Korea GM will conduct an additional recall applying new diagnostic software capable of detecting abnormal battery operation. This new software update recall mainly sets the vehicle's maximum charging capacity to 80% and includes diagnostic functions that detect rare battery malfunctions. For 2019 model year vehicles, the update will be available from the 3rd of this month, and for 2017?2018 model year vehicles, updates can be received nationwide at Chevrolet service networks starting mid-month.

Customers visiting Chevrolet service networks for the software update will receive free air conditioner filter replacements, and customers who receive battery replacement services will be newly provided with an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty, the same as new vehicles.

Meanwhile, Korea GM plans to announce the final measures for battery replacement and new diagnostic software recalls for 2020?2021 model year Bolt EV customers at a later date.