In the ever-changing world of mobility, the potential risk of an electric vehicle (EV) catching fire is a very real concern, but can a simple seat belt — primarily to keep you safe — really start a fire? It’s a possible problem GM wants to check for, since it has issued a recall of more than 140,000 Chevrolet Bolt EVs.
The recall covers Bolt EVs manufactured between 2017 and 2022 to check for suspected fire risks, according to the Associated Press. According to further reports, officials believe exhaust fumes from front seat belt pretensioners may have come into contact with carpet fibers following a collision, potentially causing a fire.
It might seem far-fetched, but at least three fires involving Bolt EVs may have been caused by factors like this. So GM didn’t want to take any chances. Dealers have been instructed to place foil on the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust. Some units will also come with pretensioner caps.
The Bolt EV has been around for a few years now, but it’s also been a controversial vehicle because of the potential fire risks it presents or could present. Previously, GM had to issue a recall of all Bolt EVs sold since 2019 to check for the risk of battery fires at a massive cost of $1 billion. As a precaution, a software update ensures that the battery charge never exceeds 80%. Owners were also previously advised to park their EVs in the open. They were also told not to charge their vehicles overnight.
Developing the Bolt EV has been quite an uphill journey for GM, but American wants to stick with this model and will spend millions on its future advertising and marketing campaigns.
First published date: December 21, 2022 at 13:08 PM CST
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