# **Jaguar I-Pace Buyback: An Expensive Battery Issue Results in a Widespread Recall**
## **Introduction**
Jaguar’s entry into the electric vehicle (EV) sector with the **2019 Jaguar I-Pace** generated a lot of enthusiasm and raised expectations. However, five years down the line, the manufacturer is **reacquiring every single 2019 I-Pace in the United States** due to a **battery issue** that presents a fire hazard. This choice follows a series of recalls and software fixes that did not completely rectify the problem.
This piece delves into the **factors prompting the buyback, its repercussions for owners, and the implications for Jaguar’s prospects in the EV sector**.
—
## **The Ascent and Decline of the Jaguar I-Pace**
Introduced in 2018, the **Jaguar I-Pace** marked the British brand’s debut into fully electric vehicles. It garnered acclaim for its **stylish design, remarkable driving performance, and competitive mileage**. The I-Pace even clinched the **2019 World Car of the Year** title, establishing its status as a formidable challenger to Tesla and other EV manufacturers.
Nevertheless, following its initial triumph, the I-Pace soon encountered **dependability challenges**, including software malfunctions, sluggish infotainment systems, and, most critically, **battery issues**.
—
## **The Battery Issue: A Fire Risk**
At the heart of the matter lies the **90 kWh battery pack** provided by **LG Energy Solution**, produced in a facility in Poland. Certain battery cells were discovered to have **”folded anode tabs”**, a flaw that could result in **thermal runaway and unexpected fires**.
Jaguar disclosed that **at least eight I-Pace vehicles in the U.S. experienced fires** owing to this defect. While this might appear to be a minor figure, the **fire risk in an EV should ideally be non-existent**.
Jaguar is not the sole automaker impacted by **LG’s battery quality problems**. Other companies, such as **General Motors (Chevy Bolt), Volkswagen (Audi e-tron), Hyundai (Kona EV), and Chrysler (Pacifica PHEV)**, have also encountered recalls stemming from faulty LG battery cells.
—
## **Jaguar’s Efforts to Resolve the Issue**
Initially, Jaguar sought to remedy the situation through **software updates and partial battery swaps**. The timeline of recalls includes:
– **May 2023 (Recall H441):** A software update aimed at identifying battery problems and preventing overheating.
– **October 2023 (Recall H459):** A second recall concerning 500 vehicles where the first update fell short.
– **March 2024 (Recall H484):** Owners were instructed to **charge up to only 75% capacity** and park away from structures.
– **April 2024 (Recall H536):** A final recall adjusting charge capacity to 80% and announcing a **comprehensive buyback of all 2019 I-Pace vehicles**.
Jaguar ultimately concluded that **changing out the battery packs was overly expensive and intricate**, resulting in the decision to **reacquire all impacted vehicles**.
—
## **The Buyback Process: A Frustrating Wait**
While Jaguar has pledged to reacquire the vehicles, **owners are still awaiting precise information on the process and compensation**. Several have reported **communication delays**, with Jaguar continually advising them to “be patient.”
Some owners in **California**, which has robust **lemon laws**, have already received **buyback offers of around $38,000**. However, for many others, the **valuation process is still ambiguous**.
### **What Compensation Can Owners Expect?**
Assessing the **fair market value** of a 2019 I-Pace is complex. Per **Edmunds**, a used I-Pace in private transactions is valued at about **$24,428**—a significant decrease from its original price of **$70,000+**.
Owners are anxious that Jaguar’s buyback proposal might not **fully account for depreciation and the distress incurred**.
—
## **What Lies Ahead for I-Pace Owners?**
As their **I-Pace gets taken away**, numerous owners are seeking a **substitute EV**. Nonetheless, the **timing is unfavorable**, as some are concerned that the **federal EV tax credit (up to $7,500) may be withdrawn** before they can acquire a new vehicle.
Despite the challenges, the **used EV market is expanding**, providing more choices today than in 2019, including options from **Tesla, Ford, Hyundai, and Rivian**.
—
## **Implications for Jaguar’s EV Future**
Jaguar has pledged to transform into an **all-electric brand by 2025**, yet the **I-Pace recall tarnishes its image**. The firm recently introduced the **
