A Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid vehicle is being charged at Stewart Chevrolet in Colma, California, U.S., October 3, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Lam/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - A U.S. auto safety regulator said on Friday it is opening an investigation into 73,000 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid cars over reports of abrupt loss of power, failures to restart and other issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was opening the preliminary evaluation into the 2016 through 2019 model year Chevrolet Volt after 61 complaints tied to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). Some complaints reported there was little to no warning before the loss of operating power or reduced power mode occurred. Another owner reported the Volt would not drive more than over 35 miles per hour on the highway "and it stops driving on electricity randomly."

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Persons: Stewart, Stephen Lam, David Shepardson, Susan Fenton, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Chevrolet, Stewart Chevrolet, REUTERS, Rights, Traffic Safety Administration, Battery Energy Control, General Motors, NHTSA, GM, Thomson Locations: Colma , California, U.S, Los Angeles