A123 finds defect in Michigan-made batteries

Electric car battery maker A123 Systems announced March 26 a recall of battery packs produced at its Livonia, Michigan plant, affecting several unspecified mainstream electric vehicles (EVs).

A123 Systems, which makes batteries for Fisker, Chevrolet and BMW electric cars, among others, wouldn't identify which of its clients were affected, says GreenCarReports.

It did confirm the dead battery issue Consumer Reports experienced with their Fisker Karma EV test vehicle was related to a faulty A123 module, though.

The defect was caused by a calibration error in an automatic welding machine, which misaligned some components; it affected only packs made at the Livonia plant.

Affected cells may not function properly, though they don't pose a safety issue, the company said. A123 has plans to send out replacement modules starting this week.

The recall will cost the company $55 million, which some analysts fear will hit A123 Systems hard. The company says it has the resources to cover the costs of the recall over the next several quarters.

(GreenCarReports)