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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Over 10,000 Powerwall 2 systems are being recalled following reports of overheating and fires.
- Powerwall 2 units sold between November 2020 and December 2022 are impacted.
- Most affected units have been remotely discharged, and the systems will be replaced at no cost.
Tesla has issued a recall for its Powerwall 2 AC Battery Power System, citing “a third-party battery cell defect.” According to the company, this defect can cause the device to ” stop functioning normally, resulting in overheating, smoking and in some cases smoke or flame causing minor property damage.”
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The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) says it has received “22 reports of overheating,” with half of these “resulting in minor property damage.” No injuries have been reported. Still, out of an abundance of caution, both Tesla and the USCPSC are recalling about 10,500 units.
Additionally, Tesla says that it has “remotely discharged” nearly the majority of affected units in the US, rendering them safe. The remaining units will be discharged by company technicians.
Note that not all Powerwall 2s are being recalled. The defective systems were sold on Tesla’s website and through certified installers “from November 2020 through December 2022 for about $8,000.”
Impacted customers will receive (if they haven’t already) a notification via the Tesla app, informing them of the recall. A Tesla-certified installer will contact individuals directly, either by email or phone, to schedule a replacement at no cost.
Replacement or upgrade?
The company doesn’t specify whether it will install a non-defective Powerwall 2 battery or upgrade customers to the Powerwall 3. I reached out to Tesla for clarification and will update this story once I receive a response.
The issue does not affect any Powerwall 3 units.
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I should also mention that the accompanying solar panels, which charge the battery, will continue to function normally. The panels are not being recalled, but since you won’t have the Powerwall 2 unit, you’ll be without backup power until a replacement arrives. Tesla is working with the USCPSC to facilitate the recall and replacement process.
If you have any questions, the company encourages concerned customers to contact their support team via email for the fastest response.
