GM Resumes Battery Production in Michigan after Shutdown

DETROIT – General Motors has resumed production at two of its battery plants in Michigan following a shutdown related to fires and a product recall.

GM shut down the plants in Hazel Park and Holland, Mich., in late August and has been working with battery supplier LG Chem to fix a pair of manufacturing defects. As part of the plants’ reopening LG is changing the manufacturing process and adding capacity to provide more cells as part of a replacement plan for owners of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV.

“We’re grateful for the patience of owners and dealers as we work to advance solutions to this recall,” said Doug Parks, GM’s executive vice president of global product development, purchasing and supply chain, in a statement. “Resuming battery module production is a first step and we’ll continue to work aggressively with LG to obtain additional battery supply. In addition, we’re optimistic a new advanced diagnostic software will provide more convenience for our customers.” 

The root cause of the battery fires, GM said, was two manufacturing defects – a torn anode and a folded separator –that need to be present in the same battery. Replacement batteries will begin shipping to dealerships by mid-October. Owners of vehicles with potentially faulty batteries will be notified.

Within 60 days, GM announced, the automakers will rollout a new diagnostic software package that will expand battery charging parameters and will indicate potential battery damage. The new software must be installed by dealerships.

Image via General Motors

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.