Jaguar I-Pace owners now can't use cheap smart energy tariffs

Jaguar I-Pace owners can no longer take advantage of cheap smart charging rates at home from energy providers such as Octopus due to software changes to their cars by JLR.

Smart tariffs automatically charge owners' cars when energy rates are at their cheapest, thereby allowing EV drivers to potentially slash their cars' running costs. 

Octopus claims its Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff is the UK's most popular and allows drivers to charge their cars for only 7.5p/kWh. The firm also throws in six hours of free overnight charging.

Charging point companies such as PodPoint and Ohme also offer similar money-saving perks as their apps can charge on the cheapest tariffs. 

However, Jaguar I-Pace owners who have enjoyed smart charging can no longer do so after JLR updated the car's software system preventing third-party access.

Octopus emailed I-Pace owners with just a few hours notice on March 5 and informed them that their cars would no longer be able to use its Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff from 6am on March 6. It added that in early May it would be switching customers to its Octopus Go tariff. 

Explaining the decision, a JLR spokesperson said in a statement: "To continue keeping our clients’ data as safe as possible, we are updating how our electrified vehicles interact with the ever-growing list of third-party applications. As a result, some smart charging tariffs will be affected. 

"Our recommended EV tariff Octopus Go does not require data access and is therefore not affected. We are working with energy companies to keep our clients informed of their options."

The carmaker told Electrifying that it became aware that third-party apps and services sought access to its vehicles' data or control vehicles through 'unauthorised access'. It reacted on March 6 by stopping this access to 'protect vehicle data and vehicle integrity', and the move would help to 'protect clients against loss or damage suffered as a result of unauthorised access'. 

JLR said that users of its recommended Octopus Go tariff are unaffected as that service does not need access to data to operate, and owners can still use its own Jaguar InControl Remote app or the Alexa Skills app.