Battery defect linked to overheating concerns in Jaguar I-Pace models

Jaguar Land Rover has announced a recall of nearly 2,300 electric vehicles in the United States after identifying a potential fire risk linked to the high-voltage battery system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall affects 2,278 Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs from the 2020 and 2021 model years. Regulators warned that a defect in the battery could cause overheating, increasing the risk of smoke or fire.

Battery Software Update Issued as Interim Fix

As an interim safety measure, Jaguar Land Rover will update the battery management software to limit the vehicle’s state of charge to 90%. The update will be carried out either at dealerships or remotely through an over-the-air software update.

The NHTSA said the interim repair will be provided free of charge to vehicle owners, while a permanent solution remains under development.

Owners are advised to monitor charging through the Jaguar Remote App or directly inside the vehicle and to unplug the charger once the battery reaches the 90% limit.

Owners Urged to Take Safety Precautions

Until a final remedy is available, Jaguar Land Rover is urging drivers to take additional precautions. Vehicle owners are advised to park outdoors, away from buildings, and to charge the vehicle outside whenever possible.

According to the recall notice, affected vehicles have experienced incidents of thermal overload, which may present as smoke or, in rare cases, fire originating from the high-voltage battery pack.

Fault Traced to Battery Cells from LG Facility

Investigations traced the issue to a manufacturing defect in battery cells supplied by LG Energy Solution. Regulators identified a condition known as a folded anode tab, which can cause internal short-circuiting within the battery.

“Modules identified by the remedy software as having characteristics of a folded anode tab are still being inspected by the supplier,” the recall report said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.

Final Repair Still Under Development

Jaguar Land Rover said it is continuing to work with its battery supplier to develop a permanent fix for the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified once a final remedy becomes available.

The recall adds to growing scrutiny around battery safety in electric vehicles, as automakers and regulators continue to address manufacturing defects that can pose fire risks.