Jaguar I-Pace recalled in NZ due to battery fire risk

Jaguar Land Rover New Zealand has recalled every fully electric I-Pace in the country due to a fire risk caused by “thermal overload” of the vehicle’s high voltage battery.

The recall was issued by the local arm of the carmaker, stating that model year 2019 to 2024 I-Paces pose a risk to vehicle occupants, people outside the vehicle, and surrounding property.

Overseas, Jaguar’s engineering team has yet to determine whether the battery itself is to blame and also issued a recall out of caution, reports Reuters.

There are no reports of fires here in New Zealand, but eight examples of the EV have burst into flames in the United States.

“There are no recorded cases in New Zealand and all customers have been made aware of the potential issue. No accidents or injuries have been reported globally,” a Jaguar New Zealand spokesperson told us.

An update for the vehicle’s battery control module has already commenced which will direct Kiwi I-Pace owners to their nearest Jaguar retailer or authorised repairer if a problem is detected.

If necessary, the module or entire battery may need to be replaced, free of charge to the owner.

Until the software update is completed, Jaguar says I-Pace owners should park their vehicles away from structures and only charge them outside. It also says that owners shouldn’t charge the battery over 75 per cent.