GM Delays Opel & Vauxhall Ampera Launch Over Battery Fire Concerns
General Motors (GM) has announced a delay in the European launch of the Opel Ampera and Vauxhall Ampera due to ongoing investigations into battery fire incidents involving their sister car, the Chevrolet Volt. The move comes as GM prioritises safety and addresses fire concerns proactively.
The issue came to light when a Chevrolet Volt, following a crash test at a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) facility, caught fire three weeks later. Further tests revealed that rotating the vehicle's battery pack caused it to heat up, eventually leading to smoke and sparks. It's important to note that, despite these incidents, GM has reported no fires due to lithium battery penetration in accidents.
The Opel Ampera and Vauxhall Ampera, first-generation models based on the Chevrolet Volt, use battery cells manufactured by LG Chem. Given the shared technology, GM has decided to postpone the debut of these models in Europe until a conclusion is reached regarding the battery fire issue in the US. Meanwhile, GM is offering to buy back Chevrolet Volts already sold, provide loan cars to owners, and redesign the batteries to enhance safety.
GM's proactive approach to addressing the battery fire issue demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the safety of battery-powered cars. The delay in the European launch of the Opel Ampera and Vauxhall Ampera is a precautionary measure, with GM awaiting the outcome of investigations before proceeding with the launch.
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