On Wednesday, General Motors Co urged Chevrolet Bolt EV (electric vehicle) owners to park on the top floor or an open level, at least 50 feet away from other vehicles. It is due to potential fire hazards.
The precaution would “reduce potential damage to structures and nearby vehicles in the rare event of a potential fire,” a company spokesman said in an email. He noted that GM sent a warning to customers who had inquired about parking concerns.
GM has previously requested that owners park their Bolt vehicles outside, away from buildings, and not charge them overnight.
Owners of Bolt EV should not leave them charging unattended; even if they are utilizing a charging station in a parking garage, according to GM. The recommendation was first reported by Bloomberg News.
After reports of ten fires, GM expanded its Bolt recall to over 140,000 vehicles in August to repair battery components for $1.8 billion. LG, GM’s battery supplier, has agreed to reimburse the manufacturer.
In the backdrop of the Bolt battery recall, the largest U.S. automaker announced this week that it will extend a two-week shutdown of a Michigan assembly plant.
The extension of the production standstill at GM’s Orion Assembly factory will last until at least September 24. It is due to a “battery pack shortage” related to the recall, according to GM.
GM has stated that it will not resume Bolt manufacture or sales. It is until it is confident that the recall repair will resolve the fire risk concern.