Jaguar is recalling all units of the I-Pace electric vehicles in the US due to risks of fires induced by battery overheating. An industry expert had previously warned Jaguar about the risk of battery fires. The recall of the I-Pace EV comes one year after concerns were raised about the EV after assessing four separate battery fires.

Jaguar I-Pace

The trajectory of the recall of the I-Pace is similar to that of the Chevy Bolt EV although up to a dozen fire incidents were reported for the Chevy Bolt. In addition, both the Chevy Bolt and I-Pace use the same LG Energy battery cells. Jaguar is recalling the I-Pace models built at the Graz Vehicle Assembly Plant from June 5, 2018.

The NHTSA recall notice stated that the vehicles have experienced thermal overload which is indicated as smoke or fire. This may occur underneath the vehicle at the location of the high-voltage traction battery. Jaguar says investigations are still ongoing and it identified LG Energy as the supplier involved in the recall.

According to Jaguar, the recalled I-Pace EVs will receive an update on the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software. This will monitor the battery pack assembly’s operational status to identify conditions that may lead to thermal overload. The software also provides an enhanced level of driver warnings. Where the software determines a possible risk, the battery charging capacity is reduced to 75%. Further warnings will direct the driver to take the car to a Jaguar retailer for extensive diagnosis and repair.

In situations that warrant the replacement of the High Voltage battery pack, there will not be any extra charges on the vehicle’s owner, according to Jaguar. Furthermore, customers who had previously paid for the repair of this defect will be reimbursed.

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