Jaguar has decided not to take a safety risk and buy back 2,760 2019 model year I-Pace electric cars in the US. The reason is the potential risk of battery ignition that has haunted this model for several years now.
Here’s What We Know
The problems with the I-Pace’s overheating batteries have been more serious than anticipated. The company had previously tried to remedy the situation with software updates, but it turned out that even with the new software, three cars caught fire.
In August, Jaguar advised owners to park the cars on the street, away from buildings, and limited battery charging to 80 per cent as a temporary solution. At the time, Jaguar reported that a “permanent remedy was in development”. As it has now emerged, the “permanent remedy” will be a full buyback of potentially problematic cars from owners.
What comes next
Jaguar plans to buy back around three thousand cars. This, of course, is a big blow to the company’s budget, but due to the significant loss of value of the I-Pace on the secondary market, the costs will not be so catastrophic. And the owners, probably, will be glad to spend on a new car less than they expected.
Against this background, Jaguar is actively relaunching itself as a manufacturer of premium electric cars at the level of Porsche or Bentley. As early as 2 December, the company will unveil a concept of one of its three new electric cars. And while the new logo and the rebranding of Jaguar have caused a wave of criticism online, the I-Pace has suddenly become the perfect “distraction” with its scandal.
Source: Carscoops
