THE CHEVY BOLT
The Chevrolet Bolt is a fully electric vehicle relying on batteries for power. The Bolts’ batteries must be charged in order to give the vehicles power. General Motors LLC (GM), the Bolt’s manufacturer, has provided specific estimated driving ranges for Bolts with fully-charged batteries. Many purchasers of Bolts rely upon these estimated driving ranges in order to determine if the Bolt is suitable for their intended uses.
CHEVY BOLT RECALLS AND NOTIFICATIONS
Recently, GM issued recalls on all Bolt vehicles due to some of the Bolts’ batteries catching on fire. GM has indicated that the batteries have a greater likelihood of catching on fire if the batteries are fully-charged. As such, GM’s recall procedure is to reprogram the vehicle’s computer so the batteries will only charge to 90%. This reduced charging poses a problem. Namely, if the Bolts’ batteries may only be charged to 90%, then the Bolts’ driving ranges will be reduced by at least 10%. In addition, GM had directed Bolt owners to not park the vehicles in covered structures and has recently suggested that Bolts not be parked within 50 feet of structures due to the fire hazard created by the defective batteries.
GM has issued several notifications to Bolt owners restricting the uses of the vehicles. GM has also notified Bolt owners that it intends to replace all Bolt batteries sometime in the future. When, GM is not able to say. In the meantime, Bolt owners are stuck with vehicles that are impractical and dangerous to use.
THE CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW
If you are a Bolt owner who purchased your vehicle in California, you may have legal rights under the California Lemon Law. These California Lemon Law rights may entitle to you to, among other things, a repurchase of your Bolt for what you paid for it.
CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF DAVID J. FARRELL
If you own a Chevrolet Bolt that was purchased in California and would like to discuss what your legal rights may be under the California Lemon Law, please contact us at 866-360-6886 or e-mail us at info@davidjfarrell.com. We would be happy to provide you with a free consultation.
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