GM urges owners to park in deck at least 50 feet away from others

WASHINGTON Reuters - General Motors Co recommended that Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle owners park in decks on Wednesday, at least 50 feet away from other vehicles, at the top level or open level, at least 50 feet away from other vehicles.

The precaution would reduce potential damage to structures and nearby vehicles in the rare event of a potential fire, a company spokesperson said in an email. GM sent a message to consumers who asked about parking issues, he added.

GM previously told owners to charge Bolt vehicles overnight, away from structures, and to park them outdoors.

GM also urged owners to not leave Bolt EVs charging unattended, even when charging in a parking station. Bloomberg News reported the recommendation earlier.

GM in August widened its Bolt recall to more than 140,000 vehicles to replace battery modules at a cost now estimated at $1.8 billion after reports of 10 fires. The automaker has said it will seek reimbursement from battery supplier LG GM.

The largest U.S. automaker said last week that it would extend a shutdown of a Michigan assembly plant by two weeks after the Bolt battery recall recall.

GM said the extension of production halt at its Orion Assembly plant that will go through at least Sept. 24 was a result of a battery pack shortage related to the recall.

GM will not resume Bolt production or sales until it is satisfied that the recall remedy will address the fire risk issue, it added.