The Jaguar I-Pace is on its way out, with the automaker preparing to stop production of its only electric vehicle (EV), and all of its gas-powered vehicles, in preparation for an all-EV future. While there is less than a year of production left, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has decided to severely impact the I-Pace’s charging efficiency and cost-effectiveness by disabling third-party smart charging access.
This abrupt change leaves owners unable to utilize smart charging features, which previously allowed them to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours at reduced rates, such as those offered by the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff in the United Kingdom (UK).
As a result, I-Pace owners are facing increased energy bills after losing the ability to charge their EVs at the most economical times.
In a statement to AutoCar, JLR explains that the restriction of third-party access was made to enhance data security for its customers, as third-party access could lead to owner information being “obtained through unofficial apps.”
This decision has caused a considerable inconvenience for I-Pace owners, sparking widespread disappointment among the owner community, with many voicing their concerns on online forums. Some owners state they would reconsider their vehicle purchase had they known about this change, highlighting the lack of prior notice and the potential for increased charging costs.
JLR’s InControl Remote app remains an option for setting charging times, albeit with less flexibility and higher costs compared to third-party smart charging solutions. The company’s effort to protect client data and warranty rights by limiting third-party app access follows criticism of security vulnerabilities in other JLR models.
However, the manner in which JLR communicated this change has also been a point of contention, leaving owners feeling undervalued and considering alternatives for their future vehicle choices.
JLR is ending production of its gas-powered models by June 2024, with the I-Pace also being retired by the end of the year. This move is part of Jaguar’s plan to transition into an EV-only brand by 2025.
