GM recalling over 68,000 Bolt EVs due to fire risks posed by its LG Chem batteries

General Motors Co is recalling 68,677 Chevrolet Bolt EVs worldwide that pose a fire risk when its high-voltage batteries LG Chem are charged to full or nearly full capacity.

LG Chem Ltd. manufactured the batteries at its Ochang, Korea facility.

The carmaker has reported five fires and two minor injuries for its 2017-2019 models.

According to GM, it has developed software that limits vehicle charging to 90 percent capacity to mitigate the risk as it figures out the appropriate final repair.

Jesse Ortega, Chevrolet Bolt EV executive chief engineer, said the company is working around the clock to deploy a final remedy.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a preliminary investigation into the Bolt EVs last month after reports of three Bolts catching fire under the rear seat while parked and unattended.

NHTSA advised Bolt owners to park their cars outside and away from homes until their vehicles have been repaired.

The recall includes 50,932 Bolts from the US.

Ortega said that while GM did not believe that all cars have problems, it felt “prudent” to observe precaution by recalling all.