PEPS vs UWB Keys: What’s the Difference for Jaguar Land Rover? (UK Guide 2025)

December 16, 2025

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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.

Published: December 2025 | Reading time: 10 minutes | Author: AutoKeyz

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.

Using the wrong key type will cause problems. A standard PEPS key programmed to a UWB-equipped vehicle will lock and unlock the doors remotely, but it won’t start the engine. You’ll be left with an expensive key fob that only works as a remote control.

In this guide, AutoKeyz explains exactly what PEPS and UWB keys are, how they differ, which vehicles need which type, and why choosing the correct key matters for security, functionality, and getting your car started.

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.

How standard PEPS keys work:

The “passive” part means you don’t need to press a button to unlock the car. The key communicates with low-frequency (LF) antennas in the door handles. When the key is within range (typically 1-2 metres), touching the door handle unlocks the vehicle.

Once inside, the key communicates with high-frequency (HF) antennas in the cabin. Press the start/stop button with the key nearby (no insertion required) and the engine starts.

The system uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology with low-frequency transmission (125 kHz) from car to key, and high-frequency response (315 MHz or 433 MHz depending on region) from key to car.

Security limitations of standard PEPS:

While convenient, standard PEPS keys are vulnerable to relay attacks. Thieves use relay devices to amplify and extend the key signal. One device placed near your house captures the key signal through walls, while a second device near the car relays that signal. The car thinks the key is present and unlocks/starts normally.

This vulnerability led to widespread keyless car theft, with Range Rovers and other JLR vehicles being prime targets. The issue prompted JLR to introduce Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology as a countermeasure.

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.

How UWB keys work:

UWB operates on a wide frequency spectrum (3.1-10.6 GHz) and measures the time-of-flight for radio signals between the key and car. This allows the system to calculate the key’s exact position with centimetre-level accuracy.

Unlike standard PEPS (which only checks signal strength), UWB measures actual distance. The car has multiple UWB antennas — typically in the door handles, rear bumper, and cabin — that continuously monitor the key’s position. The vehicle only unlocks and starts when the key is verified to be within the correct distance.

Why UWB defeats relay attacks:

Relay attacks fail against UWB because the system detects signal delay. Even if thieves amplify the signal, the time delay reveals the key is not genuinely close to the vehicle. The physics of radio wave propagation mean you cannot fake proximity — the signal takes time to travel, and UWB measures that time precisely.

Testing by ADAC (German automobile association) and Thatcham Research confirmed that JLR vehicles equipped with UWB are effectively immune to relay attacks.

When JLR introduced UWB:

JLR was the first manufacturer to develop and roll out UWB protection, starting in 2018. By 2021, Land Rover and Jaguar were using UWB across all new keyless models. The technology has been standard on new vehicles since then.

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+ (varies by specification)
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

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	£250-£400	£350-£500+
Aftermarket Options	Widely available	Limited (OEM preferred)

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 — The vehicle expects UWB distance verification, which the standard key cannot provide

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 — The vehicle doesn’t have UWB antennas, so the UWB functionality is unused

⚠️ Higher cost — You’ll pay more for features the vehicle can’t use

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.

Option 1: Use 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 AutoKeyz’s preferred approach. We supply OEM-quality PEPS/UWB keys that provide complete functionality without compromising the vehicle’s security features.

Option 2: Disable 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.

Option 3: UWB 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 AutoKeyz Determines the Correct Key Type

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

Our verification process:

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. Diagnostic module scan — We connect to your vehicle using Jaguar/Land Rover SDD or Pathfinder software and read the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module configuration. This confirms whether UWB is active.

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

Standard PEPS key replacement (non-UWB vehicles):

AutoKeyz: £250-£400 (including programming)
Main dealer: £400-£800+
Aftermarket options: Available from £150+ (quality varies)

UWB-compatible key replacement:

AutoKeyz: £350-£500 (including programming)
Main dealer: £500-£1,200+
Aftermarket options: Limited availability, OEM keys recommended

Why are UWB keys more expensive?

UWB keys contain additional hardware (UWB transceiver chips and antennas) that standard keys don’t have. The programming process is also more complex, requiring verification that UWB communication is working correctly. There are fewer aftermarket suppliers producing UWB-compatible keys, which limits competition and keeps prices higher.

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.

Still Not Sure Which Key Type You Need?

If you’re unsure whether your Jaguar or Land Rover has UWB, don’t guess. AutoKeyz 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.

Call us on 07769 017971 — we’re available 7 days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my vehicle has UWB?

Vehicles manufactured from 2020 onwards with keyless entry almost certainly have UWB. For 2018-2020 models, it depends on specification and build date. AutoKeyz can verify via diagnostic scan, or you can contact JLR customer service with your VIN.

Can I use a standard PEPS key on a UWB vehicle?

The remote functions will work, but the key will not start the engine. The vehicle expects UWB verification before allowing engine start.

Are UWB keys more secure?

Yes. UWB technology is immune to relay attacks, making it significantly more secure than standard PEPS. This is why JLR introduced it and why it’s now standard on all new models.

Why is my new aftermarket key not starting my car?

Most likely your vehicle has UWB and the aftermarket key doesn’t support it. The remote functions work but the start is blocked. You need a UWB-compatible key.

Can UWB be disabled so I can use cheaper keys?

Technically yes, using specialist diagnostic tools. However, this removes your vehicle’s relay-attack protection and may affect insurance coverage. We don’t recommend it.

Do all 2023+ JLR vehicles have UWB?

All fully keyless JLR vehicles from recent years have UWB as standard. Some base models with physical key entry may not have the full PEPS/UWB system.

How long does UWB key programming take?

Typically 1-2 hours, including diagnostic verification, key cutting, programming, and function testing.

Can the dealer tell if UWB has been disabled?

Yes. Dealer diagnostic software can see the BCM configuration. If UWB has been disabled, it will be visible in the vehicle’s settings.

AutoKeyz — Expert Jaguar, Land Rover & Range Rover key replacement, diagnostics, and programming across Kent, London, East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, and Buckinghamshire. Trusted, professional, and always mobile.