Jaguar has issued a recall for all its I-PACE electric vehicles in the US due to a risk of battery fires, according to an official statement. A year following our initial warning to Jaguar regarding this issue, the recall has finally been implemented.
Last summer, we published a report expressing concerns that Jaguar might be grappling with a battery issue similar to the one affecting the Chevrolet Bolt EV in its I-PACE model.
In a recent report, similarities between four distinct battery fire incidents were noted, mirroring the circumstances surrounding the Chevrolet Bolt Electric Vehicle (EV) recall.
While the Nissan Leaf e+ may be a relatively low-volume electric vehicle, it’s worth noting that the four reported fires are disproportionately significant compared to the dozen or so Bolt EV fires. Jaguar also employed battery cells from LG Energy Solution, similar to those identified as the root cause of issues with the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
At the time, we reached out to Jaguar and inquired about the possibility of the I-PACE facing similar drawbacks. Unfortunately, the automaker failed to respond to our queries.
One year after its launch, Jaguar is issuing a recall affecting all “2019-2024 model-year Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles produced at the company’s Graz automobile assembly plant between June 5, 2018.
The automaker faced challenges in its discovery of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall.
Vehicles equipped with high-voltage traction batteries are susceptible to thermal overloads that may manifest as smoke or fire, typically occurring beneath the vehicle where the battery is located. Investigations are persevering with.
The discovery revealed that Jaguar also identified LG Vitality as a supplier involved in the recall.
The similarity between Jaguar’s approach to addressing its electric range limitations and General Motors’ approach with the Chevrolet Bolt EV is further evidence of our initial suspicions that both manufacturers are employing a similar software-based solution to cap their battery state-of-charge.
Jaguar detailed its actions to address a recall issue within the treatment section.
Automotive owners whose vehicles have been recalled will receive a replacement update for the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software, designed to continuously monitor the battery pack’s operating status and detect potential thermal overload scenarios, ensuring optimal battery performance and safety. The software programme provides advanced driver alerts regarding battery status, limiting excessive voltage battery charging to 75% whenever it detects a potential risk. The warning message and associated Proprietor Information instructions advise the vehicle owner to bring their Jaguar to an authorized dealership for diagnosis and, if necessary, repair. The retailer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the impacted battery module or pack. The restoration may incur no costs for the homeowners. Clients who have paid for a restoration of this defect may be eligible for reimbursement through Jaguar Land Rover’s established program, subject to standard terms and conditions.
The Bolt EV’s battery recall marked a significant milestone in the vehicle’s overall performance and reliability.
Electrek’s Take
It’s disconcerting that Jaguar failed to heed concerns surrounding the Chevrolet Bolt EV recall, particularly since we had previously alerted them to the issue last year – timely action could have potentially averted some fires.
Additionally, the news is bursting forth as Jaguar announces its intention to reboot its brand strategy? Coincidence?
