GM Replacing 120-volt Charging Cords on Most Chevy Volts, but Don't Call it a Recall

All owners of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and some of the 2012 model will soon be notified by GM to replace their 120-volt charging cords with new ones after certain consumers complained about overheating problems. GM spokesman Randal Fox told Reuters that he did not know the total number of the vehicles affected, but said it was fewer than the 11,000 or so Volts sold so far in the States. He also made a point to note that this was not a safety recall.
"It's just an effort to offer a more consistent charging experience. It's not a safety recall. It's more of a customer-satisfaction program," Fox said.
"We made some enhancements to the design to add some durability and reliability. For example, GM increased the cord's cable size to enhance durability," he added.
In most cases, Volt owners will receive the new cords when they bring their cars in for the battery enhancement's to address safety concerns over fires, according to Fox. He added that the new 120-volt cords will not change recharging time and the swap does not involve the 240-volt cords.

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Media Headlines Reduce Demand for Volt

Despite handling the Chevrolet Volt fire-risk issue brightly going to great lengths to dispel current owners’ fears and satisfy them, media headlines seem to have taken their toll on the extended range EV's sales after all.
According to CNW Marketing president Art Spinella, a new survey conducted by his research company reveals “a decline in the consideration of the GM vehicle”.
The study shows that the number of early adopters “Likely” or “Very Likely” to buy a Volt between July and December decreased by 20.5% after the fire reports, a percentage that was double among the general public. Electric vehicle enthusiasts are the only ones not affected by the reports, yet analysts expect the Volt to will miss its 2011 sales target by around 20%.
NHTSA has instigated a federal investigation on the issue of lithium-ion batteries after a crash-tested Volt's batteries caught fire last May, and on subsequent crash tests, there was a case of sparks and smoke.
General Motors stated that there is a certain protocol concerning the handling of the battery pack after an accident, which, in the first case, was not followed. Nevertheless, the Detroit maker continues to cooperates with federal agencies in the investigation, and has already changed the battery handling protocol and may even make modifications to the battery pack.

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