Jaguar I-Pace EV's Sad Fate: From World Car of the Year to Scrap Yard | Carscoops

      Jaguar would certainly prefer to forget the issues that have beset the I-Pace electric crossover.

      Six hours ago, Brad Anderson reported that last year, Jaguar announced plans to buy back nearly 3,000 I-Pace vehicles in the United States. Similar buyback initiatives have also been introduced in other nations, including the UK. The I-Pace has undergone at least five separate recalls due to battery-related problems.

      Initially, the Jaguar I-Pace was anticipated to be a revolutionary vehicle, positioning itself as a premium electric crossover that arrived in the market years ahead of its European competitors, even earning the esteemed World Car of the Year title in 2019. With its elegant design and early entry into the market, it seemed poised for success.

      However, despite the praise, sales failed to take off, and the I-Pace soon developed a negative reputation, marked by numerous recalls, reliability concerns, and even fire incidents. Increasingly, these electric vehicles are being found in scrapyards.

      Over the years, the I-Pace has faced multiple recalls due to battery failures, and late last year, Jaguar confirmed it would be buying back nearly 2,800 vehicles from users in the United States. Similar programs have been enacted globally, including in the UK, where many of these particular I-Paces appear to have ended up.

      Recent photographs taken by Threads user Ev_Newt at a UK scrapyard show several dozen Jaguar I-Paces lined up in a dismal car graveyard. These vehicles seem to have been customer-owned cars that could not endure the demands of daily use. It's a disheartening sight and highlights how disposable some new cars have become.

      Battery issues have been a persistent problem for the I-Pace for years. The batteries, provided by LG, are reported to be susceptible to thermal overload and fire. Although Jaguar has implemented various software solutions, including diagnostic tools to identify battery packs at risk of spontaneous combustion, the British manufacturer has essentially conceded by offering buybacks in several countries.

      Recently, Jaguar has pivoted to a new phase of its development that has garnered significant attention. Following a highly debated PR campaign regarding its revival, the British brand unveiled its Type 00 Concept in December last year. This electric four-door sedan is set to enter production later this year, aiming for an EPA-rated range of approximately 430 miles (692 km). It is hoped that this new model will feature a more reliable and safe battery pack compared to the I-Pace.

      Good ol' JLR. The only company that could create an EV that lacks reliability (or any greater reliability than their fossil fuel vehicles) or one that they can recall and fix. As a result, these Jaguar I-Paces are now at my local scrapyard, recalled and refunded, now destined for recycling. 😒