GM To Replace Overheating Volt Power Cords

General Motors Co said on Thursday it will replace the 120-volt charging cords for most Chevrolet Volt electric cars.

The exchange affects all 2011 model plug-in electric hybrid Volts and some 2012 models, GM spokesman Randal Fox said. He did not know the total number affected, but said it was fewer than the more than 11,000 Volts sold so far. The car sells for just under $40,000 before federal subsidies of $7,500.

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topneuro - 3/23/2012 11:49:22 AM

+2 Boost

This may explain the several (#2?) incidents of burning garages and carports were Chevy Volts were charging.
Not aware of Nissan Leaf charging burning incidents.

vdiv - 3/23/2012 4:40:28 PM

-1 Boost

What's on the pictures is the Level 2 240 V charger (prototype) that has to be permanently mounted and wired. The portable Level 1 chargers have a 12" cord with a standard 120 V plug that was a bit under-specified for the current going through it (13 A on 3/16 AWG). That is the cord that gets a bit too warm, not the long cord with the J1772 plug to the car. Both chargers have thermal protection that cuts-off power if internally they get too warm.

Someone dropped the ball, GM gets the blame, people once again start bouncing up and down yelling obscenities, making ridiculous statements, and blaming Obama, GM, the UAW, the Volt drivers, and the EV community. At least GM is finally replacing the chargers.

In addition, people are using the portable chargers with various extension cords, something that the instructions explicitly state not to do. The extension cords, their plugs, and the wall outlets used may not be in good shape. They could also overheat, melt, short-circuit, and hopefully just trip a circuit breaker.

This is why it is recommended to have a level 2 charger professionally and permanently installed at home and why most EV drivers that could do have them installed.