Tesla Recalls 10,500 Powerwall 2 Units for Overheating Risk

Tesla has recalled approximately 10,500 Powerwall 2 AC battery systems in the United States due to a defect in lithium-ion battery cells that can cause the units to overheat, potentially leading to smoke or fire. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall on November 13, affecting units sold nationwide from November 2020 through December 2022.

The Powerwall 2 serves as a residential energy storage solution, integrating with solar panels or the grid to store electricity for self-consumption, time-based usage control, and backup power during outages. According to the commission, the battery cells in certain models can fail during normal operation, resulting in overheating and, in rare instances, flames that pose fire and burn hazards capable of causing serious injury or death. The affected units, priced at about $8,000 each, were available through Tesla's website and certified installers. Owners can identify eligible systems by the model number "Powerwall 2" on the side label.

The commission reported 22 incidents of overheating among the affected units, including six cases of smoking and five fires that caused minor property damage. No injuries have occurred....