General Motors Recalls Almost 69,000 Bolt Electric Cars Over Fire Risk

General Motors Co. has recalled not less than 68,677 electric cars worldwide to address the reported cases of fire outbreaks which have caused two minor injuries.

The automobile company, while disclosing this over the weekend, added that the recall is for the 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs with high voltage batteries produced at LG Chem Ltd's Ochang South Korean facility.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last month opened a preliminary investigation into the Bolt EVs after reports of three Bolts catching fire.

The Detroit automaker stated that the vehicles pose a fire risk when charged to full, or nearly full capacity but added that it had now developed software that will limit vehicle charging to 90 percent of full capacity to mitigate the risk, while it determines the appropriate final repair.

Speaking with reporters on a conference call, Executive Chief Engineer for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Jesse Ortega said: "We're working together around the clock to deploy a final remedy as soon as possible after the first of the year."

Korean Chemical manufacturer, LG Chem, which is a partner in the production of the car, said in a statement, "We will cooperate with GM and sincerely proceed with an investigation to identify the exact cause of fire."

NHTSA advised that Bolt owners "should park their cars outside and away from homes until their vehicles have been repaired, due to a new recall for the risk of fire."

The recall includes 50,932 U.S. Bolt vehicles out of the total number of recalled cars.

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In March 2019, smoke inhalation injuries were reported in Belmont, Massachusetts where a Bolt caught fire in the driveway and the owner said strong fumes permeated the home during the three-hour fire requiring professional cleaning. The owners also reported they suffered headaches from contact with the smoke.

Dealerships will update the vehicle's battery software beginning next week.

Other electric vehicles have faced fire risk recalls as just last month, Hyundai Motor Co issued a recall for nearly 77,000 Kona EVs worldwide, saying possible defects in battery cells increased the risk of a short circuit or fire.

The affected vehicles in Hyundai's recall also use LG Chem battery cells, produced in the supplier's factory in Nanjing, China.

LG Chem however denied any cell defects but said it was working with Hyundai.