Chevy Bolt Fires Prompt Investigation by U.S. Safety Agency

(Bloomberg) -- The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether Chevy Bolt electric vehicles are prone to catch fire when they are parked, according to documents posted online by the agency on Tuesday.

The agency said its investigation covers 77,842 vehicles from the 2017 to 2020 model years. It was initiated after complaints were received about two fires that resulted in one injury. A third incident was identified by the agency after additional research. No fatalities were reported.

“In the three cases identified, fire damage appeared to be concentrated in the EV battery compartment area with penetration into the passenger compartment from under the rear seat,” the agency said. “The root cause of these fires is unknown.”

General Motors Co. didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment but told the Associated Press that it is cooperating with the investigation. “The safety of our products is the highest priority for the entire GM team,” the company said in a statement, according to the AP.

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