GM intended to light a spark under its all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV when it refreshed the hatchback for 2022 and introduced the larger Bolt EUV alongside. However, an inadvertent spark came in the form of a battery defect that increased the Bolts’ fire risk, followed by a string of recalls to dampen the arrival of the new EVs. The defect kicked off a series of recalls for older Bolts that eventually expanded to new models, ultimately halting production for the 2022 Bolt EV and EUV. Now, GM says it plans to resume the vehicles’ production in April.
Amid recalls totaling reportedly more than 140,000 Bolts, with more than a dozen catching fire, GM shut down production of the new EVs at its Orion Assembly plant in Michigan in August to focus on fixing the battery defects for the impacted models. Nearly six months later, the automaker has confirmed that Bolt production will fully resume April 4.
What Caused the Production Halt?
The large-scale recalls that led to GM temporarily ceasing Bolt production at its Michigan plant were caused by two manufacturing defects in the vehicle’s battery cell — a torn anode tab and folded separator — which posed the fire risk. The defects were traced to GM’s battery cell supplier, LG Energy Solution.
As the automaker worked with LG to replace the defective modules, Bolt owners were advised to set their vehicles to a 90% charge limit, charge the vehicle more frequently, avoid depleting the battery below 70 miles of range and park outside after charging.
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV | Cars.com photo by Aaron Bragman
When Can You Buy a New Chevy Bolt?
According to Automotive News, shoppers won’t have to wait long to buy the Bolt EV and EUV after production resumes since dealers can start selling the vehicles as soon as they receive them. This only applies to vehicles produced from April 4 on, however; the recalled Bolts built before then are still on a stop-sale order.
“We appreciate the patience customers have shown throughout the recall,” Dan Flores, a spokesperson for the automaker, wrote in an email to Cars.com. “While continuing to complete module replacements, GM will resume production at its Orion Township, [Mich.], plant the week of April 4, 2022. We remain committed to Bolt EV and EUV, and this decision will allow us to simultaneously replace battery modules and resume retail sales soon, which were strong before the recall.”
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV | Cars.com photo by Aaron Bragman
2022 Bolt EV, EUV Pricing and Range
The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV gets an EPA-estimated 259-mile range and starts at $32,495 (all prices include the destination charge). The 2022 Bolt EUV gets a 247-mile EPA-estimated range and starts at $34,495. Both cars are ineligible for federal tax credits because GM has surpassed its quota for credit-eligible sales.
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Keyword: Chevrolet Bolt EV, Bolt EUV Production to Resume in April, GM Says