Electric Car Recall

Volkswagen has recalled nearly 5,600 of its e-Golf cars in the US due to a problem that could cause their motors to switch off while in use.

16:15 30 March 2016

Volkswagen has recalled thousands of its e-Golf cars in the US due to a problem that could cause their motors to switch off while in use.

 

The US’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted the details of the VW recall online. It confirmed reports of vehicles stalling unexpectedly, which could “increase the risk of a crash.”

The document also stated that the German manufacturer had acknowledged that the car’s battery management system could "inadvertently classify a brief internal electrical current surge/peak as a critical battery condition".

 

VW recall marks the third call-back of electric cars over recent weeks.

 

Earlier this month, Nissan recalled its Leaf vehicles claiming that the software used to control the car’s brakes has to be reprogrammed. It was followed by Renault saying it needed to check and replace faulty brakes hoses on its Zoe cars.

 

Jay Nagley , managing director of the Redspy auto consultancy, said: "The Volkswagen recall is more serious than the others, but even so I wouldn't say there's a fundamental problem," 

 

"Yes there are teething troubles, but the great thing about electric cars is they don't catch fire - they are the only product I know of, fitted with lithium-ion batteries, for which that is the case."