Tesla is opening up Powerwall house battery gross sales, practically two years after limiting them as a result of its provide was “too low.”
Tesla introduced its backup battery tech way back, in 2015, explicitly intending for the product to work in tandem with photo voltaic panels. But up till 2021, the automaker additionally allowed of us to purchase the massive batteries individually. Ultimately, Elon Musk clarified that provide points have been guilty for the restrictions, however the government teased in 2022 that “ordering a Powerwall by itself must be doable” by the top of the yr.
Some months apparently delayed, that is now occurring — with caveats.
Tesla mentioned this week that it’s now promoting Powerwalls individually “in choose US markets.” The corporate hasn’t put out an official checklist of those markets, so far as we will inform, however its web site provides a means for potential consumers to see if their handle has been whitelisted.
For instance: I typed in my Los Angeles handle, and Tesla’s website responded: “We’re assessing the place to service subsequent. Reserve your Powerwall to assist us increase into your space.” Nevertheless, the machine does appear to be out there individually in different areas, corresponding to Austin, Texas.
Tesla’s deal with Texas isn’t any coincidence. The corporate relocated to Austin in 2021. A yr later, Tesla launched its invite-only electrical plan in components of Texas the place retail selection is accessible, together with Houston and Dallas. As we wrote in December, the plan is named Tesla Electrical and it’s solely out there to Powerwall havers. Tesla not too long ago advised traders that it intends to increase its electrical plan to different markets, however the firm was obscure about it, like at all times. With that in thoughts, it’s believable that Tesla is doing this as a part of its plan to develop Tesla Electrical.
You is perhaps questioning, “Why would somebody need a Powerwall sans photo voltaic? The stand-alone machine could possibly be interesting to of us who aren’t in a super spot for solar, or for many who don’t need to pay for photo voltaic and a house battery . As we noticed at CES 2023, a number of corporations appear to consider that demand for backup batteries and turbines is on the rise — and absolutely excessive climate occasions linked to local weather change could possibly be driving curiosity.