Tesla Recalls Powerwall 2 Batteries in Australia Amid Fire Concerns

Tesla has initiated a recall of its Powerwall 2 home batteries in Australia following multiple reports of fires that resulted in minor property damage. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the recall pertains to an unspecified number of units manufactured in the United States and distributed between November 2020 and June 2022. The battery cells in question are supplied by an unnamed third-party manufacturer.

The Powerwall 2 battery, equipped with a 14-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion cell, is typically installed alongside solar panels to store excess energy produced during the day. Despite the fire incidents, there have been no reports of injuries, as noted in the ACCC's recall announcement.

Tesla has communicated that owners can connect their batteries to a virtual power plant to aid the electric grid during peak usage times. This integration allows for an extension of the battery warranty up to 15 years and offers consumers the benefit of time-of-use rates to help reduce electricity costs.

As part of the recall process, Tesla is informing affected customers through the Tesla app and is moving forward with discharging the problematic batteries to mitigate potential fire hazards. Impacted batteries will be replaced at no cost, and Tesla has indicated it may provide compensation for any lost energy savings based on individual cases.