A significant product safety recall has been launched for Tesla's Powerwall 2 home battery systems across Australia, following the discovery of a potential fire safety hazard.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued the official recall notice, alerting consumers that certain Powerwall 2 units may overheat and pose a fire risk if they lose grid power while discharging at high levels.
Which Units Are Affected?
The recall specifically targets Tesla Powerwall 2 AC batteries manufactured between 2018 and 2020. These units were installed as part of residential energy storage systems, designed to store solar power for home use.
According to safety authorities, the identified fault could cause the battery to overheat dangerously during a grid outage if the system is operating at peak discharge capacity.
Immediate Safety Instructions
Tesla and Australian safety regulators have provided clear guidance for affected customers:
- Check your system's serial number against the recalled units listed on the Product Safety Australia website
- Ensure your system is connected to the internet to receive crucial firmware updates
- Install any available updates immediately to mitigate the fire risk
- Contact Tesla directly if you have concerns about your specific installation
Tesla's Response and Solution
The electric vehicle and energy company has developed a firmware update that addresses the overheating issue. Tesla emphasizes that the update resolves the safety concern without requiring physical modifications to the units.
"The update ensures the Powerwall will not exceed safe operating temperatures during grid outages," a Tesla representative stated. The company is proactively contacting affected customers to facilitate the necessary updates.
Scope of the Recall
While the exact number of affected units in Australia hasn't been disclosed, industry analysts estimate several thousand Powerwall 2 systems could be involved. The recall highlights growing concerns about safety standards in the rapidly expanding home energy storage market.
Product Safety Australia has classified this as a compulsory recall, indicating the seriousness of the identified risk. Consumers with affected units are strongly encouraged to take immediate action to ensure their systems are updated and operating safely.
