There is some relief in sight for Chevy Bolt EV and EUV owners. General Motors announced on Friday it will soon remove charging, parking, and range restrictions through a free over-the-air (OTA) software update.
The update will be available to those who have not yet received battery module replacements, but owners will have to visit their local dealership to receive the update.
GM extends Chevrolet Bolt EV plant shutdown by another three weeks
Owners of 2019 Bolts can receive the update today in the United States, and will be available “in the coming weeks” in Canada.
Owners of 2017-2018 and 2020-22 models will have to have wait a little longer, with GM saying in a statement it will be available within the next 30 days.
The new software will automatically limit the vehicle’s maximum charge rate to 80%, which should significantly reduce the risk of fire.
This will remove the restrictions that required owners to avoid charging indoors overnight, park indoors, and not allow their cars to go below 70 miles of remaining range.
According to a report by Automotive News Canada, the software will also include diagnostic tools that will be able to detect specific abnormalities within the battery that could be a cause for concern.
GM also announced the production shutdown of the Bolt EV and EUV will be extended through the end of the year.
GM has been forced to recall every single Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, more than 140,000 vehicles in total, at an estimated cost of around $2 billion. The battery packs will need to be replaced due to two issues during production that could result in a fire.
LG Energy, which manufactured the batteries, will cover the majority of the cost of the recall.
Source: Automotive News Canada
