GM Asks Chevrolet Bolt Owners To Park 15 Meters From Other Vehicles, Here's Why

The Chevrolet Bolt is claimed to have caught fire due to a problem with the battery. (photo: doc. unsplash)

JAKARTA - General Motors Co on Wednesday recommended that owners of Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles who park the car on an upstairs deck or out in the open do so at least 50 feet (about 15 meters) from other vehicles. The automaker's source said it was for reasons of potential fire risk.

"This precaution will reduce the potential for damage to nearby structures and vehicles in the event of a potential but rare fire," a company spokesperson said in an email. GM sent this notice to consumers who asked about parking issues, he added.

GM has previously asked owners to park Bolt vehicles outdoors, away from buildings, and not to charge them overnight.

GM also urges owners not to leave Bolt EVs while charging unattended, even if using a charging station on the parking deck. Bloomberg News has reported on the recommendation before.

GM in August expanded the Bolt recall to more than 140,000 vehicles to replace the battery module, at a cost now estimated at $1.8 billion after reports of 10 fires involving the car of the type. The automaker said it would seek replacement from GM battery supplier LG.

Last week, the largest US automaker said it would extend the closure of its Michigan assembly plant for two weeks following the recall of the Bolt battery issue.

GM said the extension of the production shutdown at the Orion Assembly plant that would last at least Sept. 24 was "the result of a battery shortage" related to the recall.

"GM will not resume production or sales of the Bolt until it is confident that the recovery will address fire risk concerns," a company spokesman said.