Jaguar introduced that it’s recalling all I-Tempo electrical automobiles within the US over a battery fireplace threat. The recall comes a 12 months after we warned Jaguar concerning the subject.
Final summer season, we launched a report highlighting our suspicion that Jaguar may need a battery drawback much like the Chevy Bolt EV in its I-Tempo.
Within the report, we described 4 separate battery fires that had related circumstances because the battery fires that led to the Chevy Bolt EV recall.
Contemplating the I-Tempo is a reasonably low-volume automobile, we famous that the 4 fires have been much more statistically important than the dozen of Bolt EV fires. On high of that, Jaguar additionally used battery cells from LG Vitality, which have been recognized because the supply of the issue within the case of the Bolt EV.
On the time, we contacted Jaguar and requested them whether or not or not they’ve thought of that their I-Tempo had an analogous drawback, however the automaker didn’t reply our questions.
A 12 months later, Jaguar is now recalling all “2019-2024MY Jaguar I-PACE automobiles constructed on the Graz Automobile Meeting Plant from June 5, 2018.”
The automaker described the problem within the NHTSA recall discover:
Automobiles have skilled thermal overload which can present as smoke or fireplace, that will happen beneath the car the place excessive voltage traction battery is positioned. Investigations are persevering with.
Within the discover, Jaguar additionally recognized LG Vitality as a provider concerned within the recall.
To additional affirm our suspicion that Jaguar has an analogous drawback because the Bolt EV, the automaker is taking an analogous software-based “treatment” method of limiting battery state-of-charge.
Jaguar wrote within the “treatment” part of the recall discover:
Recalled automobiles will obtain an replace to the Battery Vitality Management Module (BECM) software program that may monitor the battery pack meeting operational standing that signifies the place the battery comprises circumstances which can result in thermal overload situation. This software program offers an enhanced stage of driver warnings in relation to battery situation and the place the software program determines a threat exists, the Excessive Voltage battery charging capability is restricted to 75%. The warning message and related Proprietor Information instruction directs the motive force to take their car to a Jaguar retailer for prognosis and, as required, restore. The retailer will examine and, if vital, substitute the affected battery module/pack. There can be no cost to the house owners for this restore. Prospects who’ve paid for a restore of this defect can be reimbursed by the Jaguar Land Rover reimbursement plan, topic to the standard phrases and circumstances.
With the Bolt EV, it in the end led to a full battery recall throughout the board.
Electrek’s Take
It’s disappointing that Jaguar wasn’t on high of this subject when the Chevy Bolt EV recall occurred or once we warned them of the problem final 12 months – it may need prevented just a few fires.
Additionally, the information is popping out simply has Jaguar is asserting a rebrand. Coincidence?
