ANOTHER 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV CATCHES FIRE - WHAT NOW?

EV Channels Review

This Transport Evolved video addresses a critical safety concern: a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV catching fire despite having received GM's final software update intended to prevent such incidents. The presenter, Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield, expresses significant concern, highlighting that this fire occurred even after GM's supposed fix. While acknowledging the rarity of Bolt EV fires statistically, the video emphasizes the severity of this particular incident, especially given the owner's political standing and the car's recent update. The review points to potential issues with individual cell balancing and quality control in affected battery packs, particularly those manufactured in the US facility during the 2019 model year. The presenter strongly advocates for GM to reopen its buyback program and implement a comprehensive battery replacement initiative, drawing parallels to Hyundai's successful recall strategy. For current owners, especially of 2019 models, the advice is to charge only to 80%, utilize the 'hilltop reserve' mode, park outside, and avoid the bottom 20% of the battery's charge range.