Tesla Issues Major Safety Recall for Home Battery Systems
Tesla has announced a significant recall affecting approximately 10,500 units of its Powerwall 2 home battery systems in the United States. The action was taken following 22 separate reports of the units overheating, creating potential fire and burn hazards that could lead to serious injury or death.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed the recall, stating that the identified systems "may fail and overheat". Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with the defect to date, though property damage has occurred in a few instances.
What is the Powerwall 2 and What is the Defect?
The Powerwall 2 is a popular residential energy-storage unit designed to work with solar-panel systems. It allows homeowners to store electricity for self-consumption, shift their energy usage to lower-cost periods, and maintain power during grid outages.
The root of the problem has been traced to specific lithium-ion battery cells within the units. Under certain conditions, these cells can overheat, potentially leading to them smoking or igniting.
Tesla's Response and Customer Guidance
In response to the discovery, Tesla is taking immediate action to mitigate the risk for its customers. The firm has begun remotely limiting the charge capacity on all affected Powerwall units as a precautionary measure while replacement arrangements are made.
Crucially, the company has committed to providing free replacements for all faulty units. Owners of the impacted Powerwall 2 systems do not need to take any immediate action themselves, as Tesla is managing the process proactively.
This recall shines a spotlight on the safety protocols within Tesla's growing energy-storage division, a key part of the company's expansion strategy beyond its core electric vehicle business. The incident also raises questions about the reliability of its battery-cell suppliers.
