GM restarting Chevy Bolt production after battery fire recalls

General Motors is restarting Chevrolet Bolt production after battery fire recalls stalled the efforts. 

On Tuesday, a spokesperson said the company will re-up production in April of Bolt electric vehicles. Production of hatchback and SUV versions of the Bolt will begin April 4 in Detroit.

“We remain committed to Bolt EV and EUV and this decision will allow us to simultaneously replace battery modules and resume retail sales soon, which were strong before the recall,” the spokesperson said. 

The resumption of production comes as LG Energy Solution, which is supplying the batteries, is working to produce enough modules to handle the recalls and make new vehicles, The Associated Press reported. 

More than 140,000 vehicles across the globe were recalled last year due to defects in the batteries that could cause vehicles to catch fire. The company had 13 reports of fires in vehicles due to the defect. 

The cars have been stuck at car dealerships for months and will be able to be sold once the new batteries are installed, per the AP. 

LG Energy Solution paid General Motors $2 billion for the recall and remains its battery partner for the vehicles.