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Due to a potential for battery packs to excessively heat and ignite, Volvo Cars is issuing a recall for over 40,000 of its premier EX30 electric SUVs.
This recall necessitates the exchange of components within the high-voltage battery packs of the SUV, a pivotal model in Volvo’s endeavor to contend with more affordable Chinese brands. Reuters initially broke this story.
A grand total of 40,323 EX30 Single-Motor Extended Range and Twin-Motor Performance vehicles from model years 2024-2026, all equipped with these high-voltage cells, are encompassed by the recall. Volvo, an automaker headquartered in Sweden, is largely controlled by China’s Geely.
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More than 40,000 battery-powered EX30 SUVs from Volvo Cars are subject to a recall by the automaker, owing to a potential battery ignition hazard. (Francesca Volpi/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The company stated its intention to substitute the impacted units at no cost, and is advising owners to maintain restricting their charging to 70% until fixes are made to mitigate the combustion hazard.
In a statement to FOX Business, Volvo explained, “Our inquiries have determined that, in infrequent instances, the impacted automobiles may become excessively hot when charged to a high level. An extreme situation could potentially cause a fire to ignite in the battery.”
Overall, the car manufacturer stated that 40,323 vehicles are impacted worldwide; among these, 189 in the U.S. have been pinpointed for examination and repair as required.
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Volvo confirmed that vehicle proprietors will have the batteries of their EX30 electric SUVs serviced without cost. (Claudia Greco/Reuters)
Based on official documents and its own statements, the car manufacturer initially advised EX30 proprietors in more than twelve nations – including the U.S., Australia, and Brazil – last December to keep their automobiles at a distance from structures and to limit power intake to 70%.
A Reuters assessment, drawing from what a Chinese battery maker would demand, projected a figure of $195 million for exchanging the battery packs, not including transport and servicing expenses. Volvo could thus incur a substantial expense. The company stated these figures were “conjectural” and confirmed it is currently in talks with its vendor.
The car manufacturer is seeking closer collaboration with its holding company, Geely. Meanwhile, the batteries were produced by a Geely-backed collaborative enterprise, Shandong Geely Sunwoda Power Battery Co. Volvo conveyed that the provider has rectified the issue and will furnish the new battery cells.
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Volvo stated it is collaborating with the vendor to resolve the problem. (Yves Herman/File Photo)
Andy Palmer, a seasoned professional in the automotive industry who managed the introduction of Nissan Motor’s Leaf EV in 2010, commented that Volvo has less leeway for errors compared to its competitors. This is because its safety reputation constitutes a fundamental aspect of its corporate character.
Palmer stated, “Volvo must avoid a safety issue, as such an event would fundamentally damage the core of their brand.”
Volvo mentioned it is reaching out to the proprietors of impacted vehicles to inform them regarding the subsequent actions concerning the recall.
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Reuters provided information for this dispatch.