Energy
Tesla Powerwall’s 5-yr evolution highlights the power of battery tech and software updates
The Tesla Powerwall might be one of the company’s most understated products, but a look through its five-year history shows that the humble home battery has gone a long way since it was unveiled by Elon Musk in April 2015. Tesla has introduced various improvements to the Powerwall, and today, it stands as a product that highlights the company’s subtle battery tech and software improvements.
The first iteration of the Powerwall was intended to feature two variants, a 7 kWh and a 10 kWh version. Generation 1 Powerwalls featured the same 18650 cells that are used by the company in its flagship Model S sedan and Model X SUV, as well as a curved design that looks a bit similar to the Wall Connector that Tesla utilizes for its electric cars. This makes the battery units aesthetically pleasing, but installing multiple units to create more storage required the Powerwalls to be set up side-by-side.
Ultimately, Tesla would only deliver the 7 kWh version of the Gen 1 Powerwall before it introduced the Powerwall 2 over a year later. The Powerwall 2 featured a simpler straight line design compared to its predecessor, but this allowed the upgraded home battery unit to be stacked together for easier installation and setup. The physical size of the Powerwall 2 was also more compact compared to its predecessor.
Unlike the Powerwall Gen 1, the Powerwall 2 utilized 2170 cells, which are produced in Gigafactory Nevada and used in the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover. In what could only be described as a nod to Tesla’s battery tech improvements, the Gen 2 Powerwall was a 14 kWh battery, which meant that it had twice the capacity of the Powerwall Gen 1. But despite this, the Powerwall 2 has a smaller frame than its predecessor, and it’s only 15% heavier.
Granted, the Powerwall 2 was more expensive at $6,500 per unit compared to the Powerwall Gen 1’s $3,000. That being said, the Gen 2 battery already came equipped with an integrated DC/AC converter, unlike its predecessor. The upgraded battery also featured mobile app support and off-grid usage, allowing it to be used even in the most remote locations.
These are just the tip of the iceberg, as Tesla’s over-the-air software updates improved the Powerwall 2 over time. Among these improvements are a novel preconditioning feature, which improved performance at low temperatures, time-based control mode, which allows the battery to shift energy to maximize savings, and the introduction of Storm Watch, which maximizes energy storage during inclement weather and other conditions that threaten the power grid.
These, however, are not the end of the Powerwall’s improvements. Tesla is a company that is vertically integrated, and it is noted for moving fast when it comes to product upgrades. The Powerwall is a key aspect of Tesla Energy’s business, being a component of the company’s virtual power plant concepts. Thus, it would not be surprising if a new generation of Powerwall batteries gets introduced by the company soon, particularly with the much speculated announcement of the million-mile battery.
Energy
Tesla Powerwall distribution expands in Australia
Inventory is expected to arrive in late February and official sales are expected to start mid-March 2026.
Supply Partners Group has secured a distribution agreement for the Tesla Powerwall in Australia, with inventory expected to arrive in late February and official sales beginning in mid-March 2026.
Under the new agreement, Supply Partners will distribute Tesla Powerwall units and related accessories across its national footprint, as noted in an ecogeneration report. The company said the addition strengthens its position as a distributor focused on premium, established brands.
“We are proud to officially welcome Tesla Powerwall into the Supply Partners portfolio,” Lliam Ricketts, Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at Supply Partners Group, stated.
“Tesla sets a high bar, and we’ve worked hard to earn the opportunity to represent a brand that customers actively ask for. This partnership reflects the strength of our logistics, technical services and customer experience, and it’s a win for installers who want premium options they can trust.”
Supply Partners noted that initial Tesla Powerwall stock will be warehoused locally before full commercial rollout in March. The distributor stated that the timing aligns with renewed growth momentum for the Powerwall, supported by competitive installer pricing, consumer rebates, and continued product and software updates.
“Powerwall is already a category-defining product, and what’s ahead makes it even more compelling,” Ricketts stated. “As pricing sharpens and capability expands, we see a clear runway for installers to confidently spec Powerwall for premium residential installs, backed by Supply Partners’ national distribution footprint and service model.”
Supply Partners noted that a joint go-to-market launch is planned, including Tesla-led training for its sales and technical teams to support installers during the home battery system’s domestic rollout.
Energy
Tesla Megapack Megafactory in Texas advances with major property sale
Stream Realty Partners announced the sale of Buildings 9 and 10 at the Empire West industrial park, which total 1,655,523 square feet.
Tesla’s planned Megapack factory in Brookshire, Texas has taken a significant step forward, as two massive industrial buildings fully leased to the company were sold to an institutional investor.
In a press release, Stream Realty Partners announced the sale of Buildings 9 and 10 at the Empire West industrial park, which total 1,655,523 square feet. The properties are 100% leased to Tesla under a long-term agreement and were acquired by BGO on behalf of an institutional investor.
The two facilities, located at 100 Empire Boulevard in Brookshire, Texas, will serve as Tesla’s new Megafactory dedicated to manufacturing Megapack battery systems.
According to local filings previously reported, Tesla plans to invest nearly $200 million into the site. The investment includes approximately $44 million in facility upgrades such as electrical, utility, and HVAC improvements, along with roughly $150 million in manufacturing equipment.
Building 9, spanning roughly 1 million square feet, will function as the primary manufacturing floor where Megapacks are assembled. Building 10, covering approximately 600,000 square feet, will be dedicated to warehousing and logistics operations, supporting storage and distribution of completed battery systems.
Waller County Commissioners have approved a 10-year tax abatement agreement with Tesla, offering up to a 60% property-tax reduction if the company meets hiring and investment targets. Tesla has committed to employing at least 375 people by the end of 2026, increasing to 1,500 by the end of 2028, as noted in an Austin County News Online report.
The Brookshire Megafactory will complement Tesla’s Lathrop Megafactory in California and expand U.S. production capacity for the utility-scale energy storage unit. Megapacks are designed to support grid stabilization and renewable-energy integration, a segment that has become one of Tesla’s fastest-growing businesses.
Energy
Tesla meets Giga New York’s Buffalo job target amid political pressures
Giga New York reported more than 3,460 statewide jobs at the end of 2025, meeting the benchmark tied to its dollar-a-year lease.
Tesla has surpassed its job commitments at Giga New York in Buffalo, easing pressure from lawmakers who threatened the company with fines, subsidy clawbacks, and dealership license revocations last year.
The company reported more than 3,460 statewide jobs at the end of 2025, meeting the benchmark tied to its dollar-a-year lease at the state-built facility.
As per an employment report reviewed by local media, Tesla employed 2,399 full-time workers at Gigafactory New York and 1,060 additional employees across the state at the end of 2025. Part-time roles pushed the total headcount of Tesla’s New York staff above the 3,460-job target.
The gains stemmed in part from a new Long Island service center, a Buffalo warehouse, and additional showrooms in White Plains and Staten Island. Tesla also said it has invested $350 million in supercomputing infrastructure at the site and has begun manufacturing solar panels.
Empire State Development CEO Hope Knight said the agency was “very happy” with Giga New York’s progress, as noted in a WXXI report. The current lease runs through 2029, and negotiations over updated terms have included potential adjustments to job requirements and future rent payments.
Some lawmakers remain skeptical, however. Assemblymember Pat Burke questioned whether the reported job figures have been fully verified. State Sen. Patricia Fahy has also continued to sponsor legislation that would revoke Tesla’s company-owned dealership licenses in New York. John Kaehny of Reinvent Albany has argued that the project has not delivered the manufacturing impact originally promised as well.
Knight, for her part, maintained that Empire State Development has been making the best of a difficult situation.
“(Empire State Development) has tried to make the best of a very difficult situation. There hasn’t been another use that has come forward that would replace this one, and so to the extent that we’re in this place, the fact that 2,000 families at (Giga New York) are being supported through the activity of this employer. It’s the best that we can have happen,” the CEO noted.
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