According to the Australian Competitive Consumer Commission, Tesla recalls the home battery of Australia’s Powerwall 2 after the company was reported to have a fire that led to “minor property damage.”
The recall affects an unspecified number of two Powerwall units made in the US and sold between November 2020 and June 2022. The cell was made by an unknown third-party supplier. Despite the fire, no injuries were reported, the ACCC said in its recall notice.
Powerwall 2 contains a 14 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is usually installed along with solar panels to store excess power generated during the day.
Customers can also register batteries in virtual power plants to support the grid during heavy loads. Registration extends the warranty to up to 15 years, allowing customers access to hourly usage fees that help reduce their energy bills, Tesla says.
If Powerwall is part of a recall, the homeowner will be notified via the Tesla app and the company is in the process of discharging the battery to reduce the risk of a fire. The recalled batteries will be replaced for free, and the company will “consider compensation for lost energy savings… on a case-by-case basis,” the ACCC said.
