Tesla is recalling a batch of its Powerwall 2 home energy storage units in Australia following reports of overheating and fire incidents. While no injuries have been linked to the issue, officials confirmed there have been cases of smoke and flames causing minor property damage.
According to a notice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the recall applies to Powerwall 2 systems manufactured in the United States and sold in Australia between November 2020 and June 2022. The problem has been traced to lithium-ion battery cells supplied by a third-party manufacturer, which may fail and overheat.
According to the ACCC, Tesla has already taken steps to lower the risk by remotely discharging affected batteries, significantly reducing the likelihood of overheating. However, the regulator warned that if overheating does occur, it could still lead to serious consequences including fire, property damage, or even injury.
Tesla has stated that all affected Powerwall 2 units will be replaced at no cost. Customers impacted by the recall will be contacted directly through the Tesla app and by service providers to arrange a replacement.
In the meantime, homeowners are advised to check their Tesla app to confirm whether their unit is affected. Tesla says they have already remotely disabled many units to ensure safety. If a unit has not yet been discharged, Tesla will perform the process remotely to minimize risk until a replacement is available.
The company also noted that it will evaluate compensation for lost energy savings on a case-by-case basis, since discharging the batteries prevents them from storing electricity generated by solar panels.
Each Powerwall 2 is equipped with a 14 kWh rechargeable lithium-ion battery designed to store surplus solar energy for household use, backup power, or grid support through Tesla’s virtual power plant program.
So far the recall is only in Australia, and no similar recalls have been issued in Canada, the United States, or other markets where Powerwall 2 is sold.
Tesla has set up an official support page with more information on the recall and what customers need to do: Tesla Powerwall 2 Replacement.
