(Adds LG Chem statement)
DETROIT/WASHINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - General Motors Co
said on Friday it was recalling 68,677 electric cars
worldwide that pose a fire risk after five reported fires and
two minor injuries.
The recall is for 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs
with high voltage batteries produced at LG Chem Ltd's
Ochang, South Korean facility.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
last month opened a preliminary investigation into the Bolt EVs
after reports of three Bolts catching fire.
GM said the vehicles pose a fire risk when charged to full,
or nearly full capacity. The Detroit automaker said it had
developed software that will limit vehicle charging to 90% of
full capacity to mitigate the risk, while it determines the
appropriate final repair.
"We're working together around the clock to deploy a final
remedy as soon as possible after the first of the year," Jesse
Ortega, executive chief engineer for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, told
reporters on a conference call.
LG Chem said in a statement; "We will cooperate with GM and
sincerely proceed with an investigation to identify the exact
cause of fire."
NHTSA said Bolt owners "should park their cars outside and
away from homes until their vehicles have been repaired, due to
a new recall for the risk of fire."
The recall includes 50,932 U.S. Bolt vehicles.
Smoke inhalation injuries were reported in a March 2019
incident in Belmont, Massachusetts. A Bolt caught fire in the
driveway and the owner said strong fumes permeated the home
during a three-hour fire requiring professional cleaning. The
owners also reported they suffered headaches from contact with
the smoke.
Dealerships will update the vehicle's battery software
beginning next week.
Other electric vehicles have faced fire risk recalls.
Last month, Hyundai Motor Co issued a recall for
nearly 77,000 Kona EVs worldwide, saying possible defects in
battery cells increased the risk of a short circuit or fire.
The affected vehicles in Hyundai's recall also use LG Chem
battery cells, produced in the supplier's factory in Nanjing,
China.
LG Chem denied any cell defects but said it was working with
Hyundai.
(Reporting by Ben Klayman in Detroit and David Shepardson in
Washington; Additional reporting by Hyunjoo Jin in SEOUL;
Editing by Chris Reese, David Gregorio, Richard Chang and Tom
Brown)