Tesla Issues Global Recall of Powerwall 2 Batteries Amid Fire Risk Concerns

Breaking News: Tesla Recalls Powerwall 2 Batteries Over Fire Risk Tesla has issued a recall of its Powerwall 2 home batteries in Australia due to reports of fires that led to minor property damage, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The recall affects an unspecified number of units made in the U.S. and sold between November 2020 and June 2022. Timeline and Details The cells used in the affected Powerwall 2 batteries were supplied by a third-party manufacturer, whose identity has not been disclosed. Despite the fires, no injuries have been reported. The recall notice was issued on [date] and applies to units installed alongside solar panels to store excess power generated during the day. Immediate Impact and Response Homeowners will be notified in the Tesla app if their Powerwall is part of the recall. In the meantime, Tesla is discharging the batteries to reduce the risk of fire. Recalled batteries will be replaced free of charge, and the company will consider compensation for lost energy savings on a case-by-case basis. Background Context The Powerwall 2 contains 14 kWh of lithium-ion batteries, which are designed to store excess power generated by solar panels during the day. The battery can also be enrolled in a virtual power plant to support the grid in times of heavy load. This feature extends the warranty to up to 15 years and provides customers with access to time-of-use rates that can help reduce energy bills. What Happens Next Tesla will work closely with affected homeowners to replace the recalled batteries as soon as possible. The company has not yet announced any changes to its manufacturing process or supplier relationships. As the investigation into the cause of the fires continues, Tesla will provide updates on the recall and any necessary actions to ensure customer safety. In a statement, Tesla said: "We take the safety of our customers very seriously and are committed to providing them with reliable and efficient energy storage solutions." The company has also emphasized its commitment to ongoing research and development to improve the performance and safety of its products. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Techcrunch reporting.*