All Bolt EV and EUV vehicles subject to updated recall

GM were touting the new Ultium batteries for the Cadillac EVs ... are these batteries manufactured by LG Chem too?? If so, I can see GM putting a major pause on this line to ensure the batteries are sorted out and possibly even go with a different battery manufacturer (at this stage, why even trust using LG Chem?). Same with Hyundai and the new Ioniq brand in which the battery and power trains are shared with Kia. Hmmmmm.

 

I'm moving soon into a new home that I'd like to not burn down. How do I start the buy-back process, so I can buy an ICE at least until EVs are safe?

 

True, but the Ultium is a development of the same pouch battery used in the Bolt and Kona. The new manufacturing facilities are jointly-owned by GM and LG.

I imagine GM are seriously considered if they want to bet the future of the company on pouch batteries. I'm certainly not buying another EV with them.

 

Just found this article from Green Car Reports and is an interesting read ... https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1133382_amid-bolt-ev-recall-gm-ceo-emphasizes-multiple-future-battery-options

 

In a lot of ways, I believe this Battery Fire problem was hyped by the Media.

As of July 28th, there have been 16 known Bolt EV fires that were attributed to the Battery.

Now, out of 140,000 Bolt EVs, and EUVs, 16 batteries with defects is only 0.0001429% defects.

Statistically speaking, if all manufacturers could obtain 10 defects per 100,000 units, they'd be Golden.

But for sure, if GM offers to buy-back my 2020 Bolt Premiere, I probably won't turn 'em down.

You can also do this online at, https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-recall

I did this back on Friday, 9/3. So, I probably still have a while to go, before I hear anything.

 

Yes, but a defect in one cell should not cause a catastrophic failure. If pouch batteries are safe, then there's something wrong with the way they are packaged in the Bolt.

 

This is timely:

Tesla Will Never Use Pouch Battery Cells Favored By Many OEMs (insideevs.com)

 

I have heard that the pouch cell will be easier to recycle than a Tesla cylindrical cell. The full life of a Li battery includes the recycling and reuse of the chemicals. Has Tesla figured out how to recycle their batteries? Since they are all glued together and very hard to disassemble will these billions of batteries be trashed? Has anyone seen a pouch cell being recycled?

 

It's funny that the new software GM is rolling out limits charge to 80% and includes diagnostic measures. They say you can then park indoors and deplete battery as much as you'd like. I just recently self limited my charge to 80% prior to getting the email from GM. I don't need the extra 20% unless I'm going on a trip. Even with these inconveniences I don't plan to get rid of the Bolt anytime soon. An EV manufacturer would have to come out with a small RWD car with a bit extra power for similar money to make me get rid of my Bolt.

 

Yes, there's nothing else to replace the Bolt right now for similar money.
I was shocked at the price of the new Nissan: $48k! No thanks.

I've been charging to 90% since the cold weather began. Going to change to 80% and see how far down we go for a few weeks.
Then I'll decide if getting the software update is worth it, or will even work for us.
Unless GM release more information, that is...be nice if they told us why charging 0-80% means we can park inside, but when charging 30-90% we have to park outside. Yes, yes, "enhanced diagnostics" software, but what does it do? How does it prevent fires?

 

It's all BS to placate the owners. They still can't monitor individual cells but v2.0 might find a few more cars that can then be moved up in the pack replacement priority. Next year I expect they will discontinue the Bolt and let it fade away so they can claim Ultium powered cars are totally different and safe.

 

Percentage wise, ALL EV fires are very low, https://www.insideevsforum.com/community/index.php?threads/ev-battery-fires-in-general.12045/

 

I see the version 2.0 software is out now and pack replacements are moving along. Our '17 changed this week to 881 battery pack available to schedule and a call from GM Monday mentioned that option. Although we are sticking with buyback to see what the offer is first, since I'm now working from home and we can do without a second car at this time and I'd much rather have our money back to use on other things. They should be working on the math now and I'm hoping to get the offer by end of month. If the offer isn't reasonable then I'll discuss the "trade option" with them and see if I can do a pure key for key swap to a '22 Bolt 2LT trim to match the features on our Premier. Much rather have a new 2022 with full warranty before just a pack replacement on our car, even though we only have about 28K miles on it. Whatever option gives us the most value.

 

I now have the new battery with warranty in my 2017 Premier. At least now we're back to normal during the dead of Chicago winter when it's needed most. Still waiting on the buyback math since 12/20. To bad Santa didn't get the repurchase department a calculator.

 

Recall Update:
Well, about 2 weeks ago, I got an Email from a representative at GM saying that she tried to call me, but I never answered. But, in checking my phone, I had no calls, or messages, from any out of state/toll free numbers. And, after my reply, we are finally in communication via Email.

Good news is that there is a nearby dealer willing to buy my 2020 Bolt Premier back. And, I submitted the required paperwork last evening. So, now, it's a wait and see.

Bad news is, I don't know what price they'll offer.

If it's too low, I'll just keep the car, get the new Battery pack. Then, later, trade it in for another EV.

Even after getting the new Battery Pack, they're still doing buy-backs?

 

Apparently they are but as my dealer said, the car gets a new battery whether it's me or the next owner. Last Saturday I got the first contact from Repurchase (waiting since 11/1) and sent in their final documentation they wanted yesterday so now they will do their math and send me an offer. Which I hope is soon since my registration is end of Feb so I really don't want to shell out $251 for a car that's on the way out.