# GM Builds on Battery Safety to Ensure Confidence in Chevrolet Volt - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/gm-battery-safety-confidence-chevrolet-volt/ - Published: 2011-12-14T04:43:27-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy **DETROIT – **General Motors announced initiatives for customer satisfaction and battery safety research to ensure ongoing confidence in the Chevrolet Volt [extended](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/toyota-plugin-hybrid-less-ev-than-the-chevy-volt/)- range electric vehicle. The initiatives follow six months of research and testing in the United States with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  For it’s designed to induce electric vehicle battery failure after severe crash situations. The agency advised GM on Friday that it would open a preliminary evaluation of Volt battery assemblies.  For that’s after NHTSA test results caused electrical fires. I mean up to three weeks after an initial vehicle New Car Assessment Program side pole crash test. Mark Reuss, president, GM North America, said the company would take every precaution. All to assure the driving public of GM’s commitment to the safety of the Volt being handled after a severe incident.  Finally and the total satisfaction of everyone who owned one. “The Volt is a five-star safety car.  Even though no customer has experienced in the real world what was identified in this latest testing of post-crash situations. So we’re taking critical steps to ensure customer satisfaction and safety,” Reuss said. ![VOLT DRAWING NEW FACES TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy. com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/greyvolt.jpg?resize=290%2C184&quality=52&ssl=1) “Our customers’ peace of mind is too important to us for there to be any concern or any worry. This technology should inspire confidence and pride, not raise any concern or doubt. “The question is about how to deal with the battery days and weeks after a severe crash, making it a matter of interest not just for the Volt, but for our industry as we continue to advance the pursuit of electric vehicles.” # **Senior GM engineering investigation team** Mary Barra, senior vice president, Global Product Development, said GM had established a senior engineering team.  All to develop changes to eliminate concern of potential post-crash electrical fires.  Moreover, and work with industry to ensure appropriate electric vehicle protocols were in place. Barra said such electrical fires had not occurred on public roads and NHTSA was not investigating any such potential imminent failure on the roads. “GM and the agency’s focus and research continue to be on the performance, handling, storage and disposal of batteries after a crash or other significant event,” she said. “We’re working with NHTSA.  All so we all have an understanding about these risks. Also and how they can be avoided in the future.  This isn’t just a Volt issue.  We’re already leading a joint electric vehicle activity with Society of Automotive Engineers and other automotive companies to address new issues, such as this protocol of depowering batteries after a severe crash.” Barra said the team would continue to work closely with NHTSA, suppliers, dealers and manufacturing teams to initiate any necessary changes as soon as possible. ## **Volt owner loan program** Reuss said GM would establish a Volt owner satisfaction program.  Any Volt owner concerned about safety can contact his or her Volt advisor to arrange for a free GM vehicle loan.  All until resolution of the issue. “A vehicle loan program of this nature is well beyond the norm for a preliminary investigation.  Yet it underlines our commitment to the vehicle and its owners,” he said.  “These steps are the right ones to take regardless of any immediate impact on our operations.” Launched in late 2010, the Chevrolet Volt has won more than 30 awards in the United States and other markets.  The Volt achieved a five-star NCAP overall vehicle score for safety by the NHTSA and is a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  GM carried out more than 1 million test miles in vehicle development. **_[Source: General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM)](https://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Nov/1128_volt.html)_** and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at [http://www.gm.com](https://www.gm.com/). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)