GM to Replace Battery in Some Chevy Bolt EVs

General Motors Co. is replacing the battery on certain 2017-model Chevrolet Bolt electric cars.

The carmaker launched the initiative, which it calls a “customer satisfaction campaign” rather than a formal recall, following several complaints about Bolt battery failures. GM says only a “very small” percentage of vehicles are affected by the issue.

The problem is caused by a flaw in a specific cell within the battery that reduces voltage within that cell group. Other cell groups increase voltage to offset the loss, which GM acknowledges can lead to slightly faster degradation.

Chevy also is encouraging all 2017 Bolt owners to bring in their cars for a software update that will provide earlier warning about low-voltage batteries before propulsion is lost. GM began installing the update at the factory with 2018-model Bolts.

Separately, Chevy is launching its first over-the-air (OTA) software update with the Bolt. Drivers must choose to accept the remote updates, which take about 10 minutes to complete while the vehicle is turned off and isn’t connected to a charging station. Chevy says the updates will prevent intermittent display screen freezes and improve phone connectivity, display resolution and rear camera operation.

Last summer GM announced plans to phase in OTA updates before 2020. The company has made such updates to its OnStar telematics service for several years.