. . . The update, Jaguar says, is based on more than 50 million miles of real-world trips, globally, and scrutinizes “every element of the vehicle’s performance. . . .”
While the software update doesn’t change the I-Pace’s EPA-rated range—234 miles from its 90-kwh battery—it claims that it might yield drivers an improvement of up to 8% (or about 12 miles) of real-world range.
The update includes a set of significant changes in how the I-Pace operates: Jaguar has applied changes to the torque distribution between the front and rear motors that will raise efficiency; the active-radiator vane system will make more use of the I-Pace’s thermal control; and the I-Pace’s battery is now being allowed to run to a lower state of charge.
Other changes introduced by the update include changes to the predictive range calculation algorithm we found little trust in, after driving experiences in several different I-Paces. Jaguar says that it “will deliver a more accurate and consistent estimate of vehicle range, while being reflective of an individual’s driving style.”
The operation of the regenerative braking system has also been changed to that there’s more energy recovery at lower driving speeds.
There's a catch. The update still isn't an over-the-air one, but it sets the stage for them. Owners are instructed to take their I-Pace to a Jaguar dealership for the update, where changes will enable over-the-air functionality updates. At that point it can at last receive more “ongoing enhancements” in the future.
And we’re of course eager to find out if these changes remedy much of what we found hard to accept so far in the I-Pace—so that we can enjoy all of this vehicle's many positive points. Just having a better idea of how much range drivers have left—and being able to comfortably use it—would go a long way.
