It seems that Volvo is currently studying whether a software update will be sufficient to fix this issue or if a battery replacement is needed.
What is the issue currently?
Volvo has stated that the root cause lies in certain battery cells. Under specific conditions, abnormal lithium plating can occur on the anode surface. Over time, this plating can form dendritic structures, increasing the risk of internal short circuits, which may lead to thermal runaway.
https://voi.id/en/otomotif/551820
What software can do:
– detect internal resistance/impedance
– cell voltage deviation
– cell thermal behavior
– efficiency and charge acceptance
– less intrusive version of this BMS software installed for daily use
These tools are effective at detecting cells that have already started to degrade abnormally.
What physical inspection can do:
– external module inspection
– electrical insulation
– thermal imaging
– visual inspection
However, physical inspection can only confirm observable defects. It cannot guarantee safety for latent, internally developing failures.
The key limitation is that software detects manifestations, not root causes. For manufacturing-origin defects, risk cannot be “bandaged” indefinitely by software or monitoring. It is like monitoring a patient’s vital signs, distress can be detected but not congenital defect that can suddenly fail without warning.
Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai Kona went through these stages.
– diagnostic software
– physical inspection
– software monitoring
– module replacement
– entire pack replacement
Based on precedents, it seems to cost roughly >$10k usd per vehicle on average for the battery replacement. Despite software mitigations, fires occurred even after updates were installed, leading regulators and manufacturers to conclude that software alone was insufficient.
https://electrek.co/2023/06/14/bolt-battery-recall-diagnostics/
by Mundane_Life_5775
