Quick Navigation

OVERVIEW

Introduction What is PEPS UWB Technology Which Vehicles Comparison Table UWB Antenna Issues

PEPS DETAILS

How PEPS Works Key Range & Detection Battery & Replacement Common Issues Security Limitations

UWB DETAILS

How UWB Works Relay Attack Defense Frequency & Power UWB vs Bluetooth Battery Life JLR Timeline

PRODUCTS

OEM Key Types Wrong Key Issues

SOLUTIONS

How Locksmiths Handle Verification Process Cost Comparison

IMPORTANT

Common Mistakes Pro Tips

HELP

FAQ Contact / Quote

Not all Jaguar Land Rover keyless keys are the same. Standard PEPS keys work differently from modern UWB CTO (Ultra-Wideband, Clear To Open) keys. If your JLR vehicle is fully keyless and registered after 2023, you need a UWB CTO replacement key — not a standard PEPS key.

If you need a replacement key for your Jaguar or Land Rover, you might assume all keyless keys are the same. They're not. There are two distinct types of keyless entry systems used across modern JLR vehicles: standard PEPS keys (Passive Entry Passive Start) used from around 2010, and UWB-equipped PEPS keys (Ultra-Wideband) introduced from 2018 onwards.

Legacy Technology

What Is PEPS (Passive Entry Passive Start)?

PEPS stands for Passive Entry Passive Start — a keyless entry and start system introduced by Jaguar Land Rover around 2010.

Passive Entry

No button press needed — just touch the door handle

Passive Start

Push button start with key in your pocket

RFID Technology

Low-frequency (125 kHz) & high-frequency (315/433 MHz)

Chip and circuit board
UWB

UWB Technology

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) uses precise time-of-flight measurements to determine exact distance, making it immune to relay attacks.

  • Measures time signal takes to travel (not signal strength)
  • Precise distance accuracy down to centimeters
  • Operates at 6-8.5 GHz frequency band
  • Impossible to defeat with relay devices
Advanced Security Technology

What Is UWB (Ultra-Wideband)?

UWB refers to Ultra-Wideband technology — an advanced secure keyless system that JLR began introducing from 2018 onwards, with widespread rollout from 2020-2021.

Standard PEPS

RFID-based keyless entry (2010-2018)

Signal Type LF/HF Radio
Security Vulnerable
Distance ~1-2 meters

UWB Technology

Ultra-Wideband secure keyless (2018+)

Signal Type Time-of-Flight
Security Relay-Proof
Precision Centimeter-level
Ultra-wideband technology - digital short-range wireless communication for precise object location

UWB technology enables centimeter-level positioning for secure vehicle access

Which JLR Vehicles Have UWB?

UWB was phased in across the JLR range from 2018-2021. The following models are equipped with UWB (though exact timing varies by market and specification):

Land Rover

  • Range Rover (L405) — 2018+ (later production)
  • Range Rover (L460) — 2022+ (all models)
  • Range Rover Sport (L494) — 2018+ (later production)
  • Range Rover Sport (L461) — 2022+ (all models)
  • Range Rover Velar — 2018+ (later production)
  • Range Rover Evoque (L551) — 2019+
  • Discovery (L462) — 2021+
  • Discovery Sport (L550) — 2020+
  • Defender (L663) — 2020+ (all models)

Jaguar

  • I-Pace — 2018+ (all models)
  • F-Pace — 2021+
  • E-Pace — 2021+
  • XF (X260) — 2021+
  • F-Type — 2020+

Important: The year ranges above are approximate. UWB was introduced gradually, and some vehicles from these years may not have UWB depending on build date, market, and specification level. The only way to be 100% certain is to check with the VIN or have the vehicle diagnosed.

Vehicles that definitely don't have UWB:

  • Any JLR vehicle manufactured before 2018
  • Non-keyless models (vehicles with physical key entry)
  • Some base-specification models from 2018-2020
2025 Model Update

Walk-Away Locking & Approach Unlocking

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, New Range Rover Sport & Vogue feature advanced Pivi Pro security enhancements

2025 Land Rover Defender Pivi Pro interior dashboard infotainment screen

Pivi Pro Infotainment System

Approach Unlocking

The car will automatically unlock and unfold the mirrors when the Smart Key is within approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet). No button presses needed.

Walk-Away Locking

The vehicle will automatically lock and arm the alarm once the Smart Key moves beyond approximately 2 meters (6.5 feet). Simply walk away and it secures itself.

The "Beep" Factor

When you walk away, the vehicle will give a single audible beep and flash the indicators to confirm it is locked.

Safety Check

If the vehicle detects a Smart Key is still inside, it will generally NOT walk-away lock to prevent you from being stranded.

Battery Tip

If you park your car in a garage very close to where you hang your keys, the car may "stay awake" because it senses the key nearby. Move your keys at least 15-20 feet away or disable the feature.

Quick Troubleshooting
  • Ensure all doors, hood, and tailgate are fully latched
  • Replace key fob battery if signal is weak
  • Keep keys at least 15-20 feet away when parking in garage

How to Enable / Disable in Pivi Pro

1

Tap the Settings (gear) icon on the home screen

2

Select All to see the full menu

3

Tap on Vehicle then Safety and Security

4

Toggle Approach Unlocking and Walk-Away Locking

Technical Deep Dive

UWB Antenna Issues & Professional Solutions

Understanding the technical challenge with damaged UWB antennas and the professional workaround

Key Differences: PEPS vs UWB

Feature Standard PEPS Key UWB-Equipped PEPS Key
Technology RFID (LF/HF radio) UWB (time-of-flight measurement)
Frequency 125 kHz (LF) + 315/433 MHz (HF) 3.1-10.6 GHz (UWB) + standard frequencies
Security Vulnerable to relay attacks Relay-attack proof
Distance Detection Signal strength only Precise distance (centimetre-level)
Key Position Awareness Basic proximity Exact 3D location tracking
Used On 2010-2018 models (approx) 2018+ models with UWB
Replacement Cost Standard pricing 25-40% premium over standard

OEM Key Types: UWB vs Non-UWB

Jaguar Land Rover uses different key types for vehicles with and without UWB technology. Here's a visual reference of the OEM keys available.

Non-UWB Keys (Standard PEPS)

HW15 Key
HW15
Land Rover • 433 MHz
HW16 Key
HW16
Land Rover • 315 MHz
HW19 Key
HW19
Jaguar • 433 MHz
HW20 Key
HW20
Jaguar • 315 MHz

UWB Keys (Advanced Security)

HW21 Key
HW21
SVO • 433 MHz • UWB
HW22 Key
HW22
SVO • 315 MHz • UWB
HW23 Key
HW23
Jaguar • 433 MHz • UWB
HW24 Key
HW24
Jaguar • 315 MHz • UWB
HW25 Key
HW25
Land Rover • 433 MHz • UWB
HW26 Key
HW26
Land Rover • 315 MHz • UWB

Note: UWB keys can also function as Non-UWB keys on vehicles without UWB support. However, Non-UWB keys cannot provide UWB functionality on UWB-equipped vehicles.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Key Type?

Scenario 1: Standard (non-UWB) key on a UWB vehicle

If you program a standard PEPS key (without UWB capability) to a vehicle equipped with UWB technology:

Remote functions work Lock, unlock, boot release all function normally
Engine will NOT start

This is the most common problem we see. The key appears to work because the remote functions operate correctly, but when you sit in the car and press the start button, nothing happens. The dashboard may show "Key Not Detected" or similar.

Why does this happen?
The UWB system requires the key to respond to UWB distance-verification signals before allowing engine start. A standard PEPS key doesn't have the UWB hardware to respond, so the vehicle's security system blocks the start.

Scenario 2: UWB key on a non-UWB vehicle

If you use a UWB-equipped key on an older vehicle without UWB:

Will work but unnecessary Higher cost

The key will function correctly, but you're paying extra for technology your vehicle doesn't support.

How Locksmiths Handle UWB Vehicles

Professional auto locksmiths have several approaches when programming keys for UWB-equipped JLR vehicles.

1Use OEM UWB-compatible keys

The cleanest solution is to use genuine JLR keys or high-quality OEM-equivalent keys that include UWB hardware. These keys work exactly like the originals, with full functionality including passive entry, passive start, and UWB security.

This is Lock50's preferred approach. We supply OEM-quality PEPS/UWB keys that provide complete functionality without compromising the vehicle's security features.

2Disable UWB in the vehicle

Some locksmiths use specialist tools to disable the UWB requirement in the vehicle's BCM (Body Control Module). This allows standard (non-UWB) keys to start the engine.

While this works, it has drawbacks. Disabling UWB removes the vehicle's relay-attack protection, making it more vulnerable to theft. It may also cause issues with future dealer software updates, and could affect insurance coverage or vehicle warranty.

We don't recommend this approach unless there's no alternative.

3UWB emulators

Some aftermarket solutions involve installing a small circuit board (UWB emulator) wired to the vehicle's RFA module. This emulates the UWB response that the vehicle expects.

This is a complex installation that most vehicle owners wouldn't want — it involves soldering components inside a premium vehicle. We don't offer this service.

How Lock50 Determines the Correct Key Type

At Lock50, we use professional diagnostic equipment to identify your vehicle's keyless system before supplying any replacement keys.

Our verification process:

  1. 1
    VIN-based system check

    We decode your Vehicle Identification Number to determine the exact model, year, and market specification. This gives us initial indication of whether UWB is likely.

  2. 2
    Diagnostic module scan

    We connect to your vehicle using the Lock50 Tool to read the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module configuration. This confirms whether UWB is active.

  3. 3
    Correct key supplied

    Based on diagnostic results, we supply the appropriate key type with full functionality guaranteed.

We never assume key type based on year alone. Market variations, regional specifications, and build dates mean diagnostic verification is essential.

Cost Differences: Standard vs UWB Keys

Why UWB Keys Are the Future of Vehicle Security

The relay theft problem

Keyless car theft rose dramatically in the UK between 2013-2020. Range Rover, Discovery, and Jaguar models were consistently among the most stolen vehicles. Standard PEPS keys could be "relayed" in under 60 seconds by organised criminals.

UWB as the solution

Independent testing confirmed that UWB-equipped vehicles are effectively immune to relay attacks. Thatcham Research (the UK insurance industry's vehicle security assessor) rates UWB vehicles as having "superior security" compared to standard keyless systems.

Insurance implications

Some insurers have refused to cover certain JLR models due to theft rates. Vehicles with UWB protection generally receive better insurance terms. If you disable UWB to use cheaper keys, you may affect your insurance coverage.

Industry adoption

JLR led the industry in deploying UWB, but other manufacturers (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Genesis) have followed. UWB is becoming the standard for premium vehicles, and the technology is likely to become universal over the coming years.

Common Mistakes When Ordering Replacement Keys

"It's a 2020 Range Rover, just get me any key"

Assumption without verification leads to wrong key type. Always confirm UWB status before ordering.

Buying cheap aftermarket keys online

Most budget aftermarket keys don't support UWB. They'll work as remotes but won't start UWB-equipped vehicles.

Disabling UWB to save money

Removing relay-attack protection to use cheaper keys compromises vehicle security and may affect insurance.

Programming without diagnostic verification

Programming a key without first checking the vehicle's configuration wastes time and money if it's the wrong type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask a Question

Still Not Sure Which Key Type You Need?

If you're unsure whether your Jaguar or Land Rover has UWB, don't guess. Lock50 will verify your vehicle's keyless system and supply the correct key type — guaranteed to work.

Same-day mobile key replacement service across:

Kent, London, East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, and Buckinghamshire.

7 days a week Mobile service Guaranteed work
Get a Free Quote