[ad_1]
In 2021, several incidents of battery fires in Chevrolet Bolt EVs prompted General Motors to conduct an investigation revealing issues with certain LG-supplied battery packs used in these vehicles. Consequently, GM issued a recall to replace all impacted Bolt packs. However, in June, GM decided against replacing batteries in 2020-2022 model-year cars, opting instead to implement a cumbersome software monitoring system to assess the battery’s safety over an extended period. To assuage these customers who were promised a battery replacement but are now being offered diagnostic software, GM is now providing a $1,400 Visa gift card.
The software that GM is encouraging Bolt owners to use will evaluate the battery’s condition to determine if replacement is necessary, as reported by Electrek. Nonetheless, there are two conditions. Owners must drive approximately 6,200 miles (10,000 km) with the software installed, and the Bolt’s charging capacity will be restricted to 80% during the diagnostic period. While the charge capacity is expected to return to 100% once the software confirms the battery’s safety, many customers find driving over 6,000 miles with only 80% range inconvenient. Moreover, what if the battery turns out to be defective during this period and necessitates replacement?
General Motors
As can be expected, many customers in the ChevyBolt.org community are dissatisfied with this resolution and simply desire the prompt replacement of their batteries instead of enduring a capped battery for 6,200 miles. Given that numerous EV owners primarily drive short distances, accumulating those miles may be a drawn-out process. Furthermore, these miles must be completed by March 31, 2025, for the vehicle in question to be eligible for battery replacement if deemed necessary by the software.
The $1,400 gift card is a component of the compensation resulting from the class-action lawsuit stemming from the recall. To obtain the $1,400 Visa reward, customers must agree to a legal release and install the software on their Bolt.
A representative from GM informed The Drive: “GM has introduced a compensation program for owners of 2020-22 Bolt EV/EUV models upon the installation of the final advanced diagnostic software as part of the initial battery recall. Owners are entitled to receive a $1,400 Visa eReward card upon installation. This program is applicable only to Bolt EV/EUV owners in the US. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers.”
General Motors
Understandably, owners of ’20-’22 Bolts have the right to feel frustrated as they were initially assured battery replacements which have now been substituted with an update that hampers the car’s everyday usability. Nevertheless, these customers might still receive battery replacements if the software deems it necessary after the evaluation period, potentially requiring them to operate with inadequate or even unsafe batteries for months, or even over a year.
Do you have tips to share? Email them to tips@thedrive.com
[ad_2]
