General Motors recently issued a second recall of its 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt Electric Vehicles  after at least two of the electric vehicles that were repaired for a previous problem erupted into flames.  The auto manufacturer has identified a second “rare manufacturing defect” in the cars that increases the risk of fire. The recall covers about 69,000 of the cars globally, including nearly 51,000 in the U.S. General Motors has said that they will replace defective battery modules in the vehicles. This would typically be an expensive procedure, but it will be free to owners. The automaker says that this repair is different than the previous one, which largely relied on software and, in some cases, replacement modules.

GM spokesman Dan Flores said, “We’re working with our supplier and manufacturing teams to determine how to best expedite battery capacity for module replacement under the recall. These teams are working around the clock on this issue.” He also said that, “they will notify customers when replacement parts are ready.” While the auto manufacturer is trying to get these new battery modules in place, they are asking affected Bolt EV owners to set their vehicles to a 90% state of charge limitation using Hilltop Reserve mode (for 2017-2018 model years) or Target Charge Level (for 2019 model year) mode. GM is also asking owners to avoid depleting their battery below about 70 miles of remaining range, and as advised last week, continue to not park their vehicles inside or charge them unattended overnight “out of an abundance of caution.” The total cost of the recall is expected to reach or surpass $2 billion as the auto industry plans to roll out dozens of new electric models over the next 24 months to meet President Joe Biden’s goal that electric vehicles reach 50 percent of total U.S. sales by 2030.

If you’ve been injured as a result of this defect, call the personal injury lawyers at Hurst Limontes LLC. We’re here to help.