Summary
- Jaguar will buy back nearly 3,000 I-Pace EVs from 2019 due to battery fire risks
- The affected cars had been previously recalled for fire risk but updates did not work
- Jaguar is ending production of the I-Pace in December to move to a fully electric lineup
- The decision to buy back the cars was made after it wasn’t economically viable to repair them
- Jaguar plans to reposition itself as a more premium rival to Porsche and Bentley with new electric models.
Article
Jaguar I-Pace EVs Facing Battery Fire Risk
Jaguar has announced its plans to buy back nearly 3,000 I-Pace electric vehicles from the 2019 model year due to the risk of battery fires. These vehicles have been the subject of multiple recalls and updates over the years, but it seems that the issues still persist. The decision to repurchase these cars comes as Jaguar prepares to end production of the I-Pace in December and transition to a fully electric lineup.
Recalls and Additional Precautions
The affected I-Pace vehicles were built in 2018 and have already undergone recalls to address the fire risk. Despite software fixes being implemented, several vehicles reportedly caught fire even after the updates were applied. Owners were advised to charge their vehicles outside, and an 80% charging limit was installed by dealers to reduce the risk of a battery malfunction leading to a fire. Jaguar is currently working on a permanent solution to the issue.
Economic Viability of Repairs
It is speculated that Jaguar found repairing all the affected vehicles to be too costly or complex, which led to the decision to repurchase the almost 3,000 I-Pace EVs. The depreciating value of these vehicles, which are now over five years old, may lessen the financial burden of the buyback for the automaker. The compensation plan for the owners of these vehicles has not been disclosed yet.
End of I-Pace Production
Jaguar has announced that production of the I-Pace will come to an end in December of this year. Global sales of the electric SUV are expected to reach approximately 70,000 units by that time. The move is part of Jaguar’s repositioning strategy to transition into a more premium market segment and compete with brands like Porsche and Bentley. The company will be launching three new electric models on a bespoke EV platform, with the first being a luxury fastback set to be unveiled in December.
Previous I-Pace Recalls
In June of 2023, Jaguar recalled nearly 6,400 I-Pace EVs manufactured between 2018 and 2023 to update their battery control module software and replace any faulty battery modules. This recall was initiated after reports of eight I-Pace fires in the U.S. alone. Jaguar has been working to address the safety concerns surrounding the I-Pace to ensure the well-being of its customers and the reliability of its electric vehicles.
Future of Jaguar’s Electric Lineup
As Jaguar prepares to fully transition to an electric lineup, the end of I-Pace production marks a new era for the iconic automaker. With plans to launch three new electric models on a bespoke EV platform, Jaguar aims to elevate its brand and compete in the luxury electric vehicle market. The upcoming concept car scheduled to be unveiled in December hints at the innovative and premium direction Jaguar is taking with its electric vehicles.
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