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U.S. NHTSA opens investigation into Bosch electric car charger [April 22, 2014] (Reuters) — U.S. safety regulators have opened an investigation of electric car chargers made by German supplier Robert Bosch LLC after a driver of a 2013 Nissan Leaf reported one emitted smoke while charging. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in documents filed online over the weekend that it opened the preliminary evaluation into the possibility an estimated 50 chargers may overheat and result in a fire. |
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A preliminary evaluation is the first step in a
process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine a
manufacturer needs to address a safety problem. Bosch spokeswoman Cheryl Kilborn said the company was reviewing
the filing and would cooperate with NHTSA's investigation as it
seeks to identify the cause. Nissan <7201.T> spokesman Brian Brockman said in an email the
automaker was aware of the probe, which was focused on Bosch,
and would assist in the investigation as needed. The charger used, a Bosch Power Xpress 240V, had been charging
for over an hour at 30 amps at a private residence when signs of
overheating, including a "strong burning smell," were noticed,
according to NHTSA as well as the consumer complaint filed in
late August. "Charging vehicles are typically left unattended and there is a
risk of fire that could affect the vehicle and its surrounding
environment," NHTSA said. The consumer complaint said Nissan had determined the car, which
had been driven less then 10,000 miles at the time, was not to
blame for the incident. The Bosch charger is primarily marketed to residential customers
and is used to charge a wide variety of electric vehicles, NHTSA
said. (Reporting by Bernie Woodall and Ben Klayman in Detroit; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli) [© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.] Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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