In response to a series of reported fires in the United States, Jaguar has announced a recall of 6,367 I-Pace electric vehicles. The automaker is taking immediate action to address the battery overheating issue, although the root cause of the problem is still under investigation. With customer safety as a top priority, Jaguar is collaborating with industry experts to mitigate risks and provide interim solutions for affected owners.
Jaguar has submitted necessary documentation to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a recall campaign for I-Pace models spanning from 2019 to 2024. The recall encompasses vehicles manufactured between June 5, 2018, and May 25, 2023, coinciding with the publication of the recall notice.
The investigation into the battery overheating problem began on February 2, 2022, after the automaker received a report of a vehicle fire. To address the issue promptly, Jaguar formed an engineering team dedicated to understanding the underlying causes. The team collected batteries from affected vehicles and conducted an initial inspection. Subsequently, the batteries were sent to the manufacturer, LG Energy Solution, for a comprehensive analysis.
Although the detailed analyses are still ongoing, Jaguar has engaged a reputable third-party engineering company to assess potential risks associated with the battery issue. Collaborative efforts have indicated that diagnostic over-the-air data can be utilized to identify battery packs that are at risk of overheating.
In a positive development, Jaguar is taking proactive steps to safeguard drivers while working on a permanent solution. Starting from July 21, the automaker will begin contacting affected customers to install new Battery Energy Control Module software in their I-Pace vehicles. This software update will enhance monitoring capabilities of the battery pack assembly, enabling early detection of potential overheating risks. Furthermore, it will provide drivers with warnings in the event of a risk and limit the charging capacity of the high-voltage battery to 75 percent.
Fortunately, Jaguar has not received any reports of injuries or accidents resulting from the battery overheating issue. The automaker remains committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers, and this recall serves as a testament to their dedication.
