Jaguar introduced that it’s recalling all I-Tempo electrical autos within the US over a battery fireplace danger. The recall comes a 12 months after we warned Jaguar concerning the situation.
Final summer time, we launched a report highlighting our suspicion that Jaguar might need a battery downside just 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 Power, 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 downside, however the automaker didn’t reply our questions.
A 12 months later, Jaguar is now recalling all “2019-2024MY Jaguar I-PACE autos constructed on the Graz Car Meeting Plant from June 5, 2018.”
The automaker described the difficulty within the NHTSA recall discover:
Autos have skilled thermal overload which can present as smoke or fireplace, that will happen beneath the automobile the place excessive voltage traction battery is positioned. Investigations are persevering with.
Within the discover, Jaguar additionally recognized LG Power as a provider concerned within the recall.
To additional affirm our suspicion that Jaguar has an analogous downside 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 autos will obtain an replace to the Battery Power Management Module (BECM) software program that can monitor the battery pack meeting operational standing that signifies the place the battery accommodates circumstances which can result in thermal overload situation. This software program gives an enhanced degree of driver warnings in relation to battery situation and the place the software program determines a danger exists, the Excessive Voltage battery charging capability is proscribed to 75%. The warning message and related Proprietor Information instruction directs the motive force to take their automobile to a Jaguar retailer for prognosis and, as required, restore. The retailer will examine and, if crucial, exchange the affected battery module/pack. There can be no cost to the house owners for this restore. Clients 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 situation when the Chevy Bolt EV recall occurred or after we warned them of the difficulty final 12 months – it might need prevented a couple of fires.
Additionally, the information is popping out simply has Jaguar is asserting a rebrand. Coincidence?