Contrary to some stereotypes out there, electric cars actually catch on fire less than combustion-powered vehicles. What EVs seem to do more often though is burn down while doing nothing in particular. That was the case for a 2019 Jaguar I-Pace SUV.
On June 17th of this year, owner Gonzalo Salazar heard pops coming from his garage. When he opened the door a thick wall of smoke greeted him and immediately he set about getting the car out of the garage. Not long after he made it to the street with the I-Pace did it burst into flames. The fire burned so hot and for so long that only the front end of the Jaguar remains recognizable.
According to Electrek, this is the fourth known incident of an I-Pace burning up in this same sort of manner. That’s notable mostly because these types of the unprovoked conflagration are among the most dangerous for EV owners. In addition, the I-Pace uses LG Chem pouch batteries in its construction. LG also made the cells used in the Chevrolet Bolt EV that saw production stop for months last year as the brand worked to correct a problem where the battery would ignite and cause a fire.
Read More: A Jaguar I-PACE EV Was Found Consumed By Fire In The Netherlands
At least 17 Bolt EVs went up in flames, which is admittedly more than the known I-Pace fires, but as Electrek rightly points out, Jaguar has sold less than half as many EVs as Chevy’s Bolt. For now, all Salazar wants is for Jaguar to take responsibility for the car being destroyed.
“My insurance company sent a forensic specialist, did their investigation, and declared the car a total loss,” he said. “Jaguar on the other hand is not being helpful at all, stating they need to complete their own investigation, but because of the risk of igniting the fire once again, they are unable to find a place where they can lift the car up, therefore their “investigation” is on hold, and they are not taking any responsibility for what happened.”
