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Chevy Is Installing New Battery Packs in Some 2017 Bolt EVs

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A few drivers have reported experiencing sudden power loss, so Chevy is notifying anyone else who might be at risk

2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier Garage Charging

Chevy is replacing battery packs on some 2017 Bolt EVs

Chevy is replacing battery packs in some 2017 Bolt EVs after owners reported experiencing a sudden loss of power.

Chevy sent out a notice earlier this month stating that some 2017 models “may have a condition where the calibration will not detect the difference in the state of charge between the cell groups of the battery. This condition may not provide sufficient warning prior to a battery cell low-voltage condition, which may result in a loss of propulsion.”

Chevy isn’t disclosing how many Bolt electric vehicles are affected, saying only that a small number of owners have encountered battery problems.

The problem arises when a flawed cell within a group starts producing less voltage. This forces other cell groups in the battery to produce more voltage to make up for the shortfall and speeds up battery pack failure.


Related: Learn more about the Chevy Bolt EV


2017 Chevrolet Bolt

Chevy says battery-pack problems have only affected a few 2017 Bolt EVs

According to reporting by Green Car Reports, this problem isn’t likely to show up in Bolt EVs that have racked up more than 10,000 or 15,000 miles on their odometers.

Chevy is currently in the process of notifying affected drivers that they qualify to have their battery packs replaced. GM’s OnStar service tracks cell-group power on each Bolt EV, which is allowing Chevy to catch cell failure and notify the driver before it becomes a problem.

In addition to notifying any Bolt EV drivers who might need new batteries, Chevy is offering all 2017 Bolt drivers a software update that will give them an earlier warning if their car’s normal driving range is about to decrease significantly. This update is already included on 2018 models.


Related: The benefits of owning a Chevy vehicle


News Source: Green Car Reports