GM recalling nearly 70,000 Bolt cars over fire risk from batteries

General Motors is recalling nearly 70,000 Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles over a fire risk posed by the batteries.

GM said online that experts identified “the simultaneous presence of two rare manufacturing defects in the same battery cell” as the root cause of fires.

The automaker said it will recall 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs to “address the risk of battery fires” in the vehicles.

The recall will affect about 68,667 cars, according to Bloomberg News. The batteries were made by South Korea-based LG Chem.

The recall is the second time in less than a year that the cars were recalled.

General Motors issued a previous recall in November over a fire risk from charging the battery at or close to full capacity.

At the time, the company offered a software fix that would limit the vehicle charging to 90 percent of full capacity.

Earlier this month, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urged owners to park their car outside and way from their homes immediately after charging. The agency also said owners should not leave their cars charging overnight.

GM still advised car owners to only charge their cars to 90 percent, and to continue parking their cars outside. The company also advised customers to avoid depleting the battery to below 70 miles of remaining range.

The recall comes as GM prepares to invest heavily in electric and autonomous vehicles.

The company said Wednesday that it will increase its investments to $35 billion by 2025, a 75 percent increase from its original spending plans. GM also said it plans to open two new battery plants by mid-decade.