GM seeks dismissal of lawsuit over its electric car range

General Motors has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a South Dakota man who claims the automaker misled consumers about its electric car model.

In a lawsuit filed in state court in Turner County, South Dakota, Jason Haas said he bought a Chevy Bolt in November 2017 from a dealer in Iowa City, Iowa and the car's literature said it had an electric range of 238 miles. But, Haas claims the Bolt's range is 100 miles less in cold weather.

"At no time during his purchase did GMC make him aware that the (projected) mileage was not accurate, and as a purchaser living in South Dakota where the lower temperature average is below 30 degrees Fahrenheit for six out of the 12 calendar months," the lawsuit said.

Haas' lawsuit is seeking class-action status to represent consumers who bought Bolts in the Dakotas, Iowa, Minnesota and Montana. It accuses GM of breaching warranties, fraudulent misrepresentation and selling a vehicle with manufacturing and design defects, the Argus Leader reported.

The automaker, which is seeking to move the case to federal court, said in dismissal motion that Bolt literature "repeatedly discloses that the vehicle's actual range may vary based on several factors including temperature, terrain and driving conditions."

GM said Haas' allegation is "nonsensical" because the automaker didn't sell the vehicle to Haas. GM's motion calls Haas' claims "vague, conclusory, and inadequately pled."

A ruling on GM's motion is pending.