Tesla owners in Australia say a recent software update is interrupting the use of third-party bidirectional chargers to power their homes. Reports describe the connection stopping within minutes, potentially leaving owners without a way to use their cars for home backup if they cannot access Tesla’s own system.
The reports concern Tesla’s 2026.38 software branch, which has been rolling out since October. Owners using equipment from Sigenergy, EleJoy and Tlyard have described power stopping after a few minutes or after 15 to 20 minutes. Tlyard has warned customers that the software may detect what it calls “simulated charging” and cut the connection. Tesla’s release notes refer to security improvements and minor fixes, but do not mention changes to home power use.
The update’s effect contrasts with Tesla’s rollout of Powershare with Powerwall in the US and Canada. Those markets have gained a Tesla-supported option for using a vehicle to back up a home. Tesla Australia has said Powershare cannot be retrofitted to existing vehicles, and the Australian offering is vehicle-to-load only. The article’s author says third-party equipment is therefore the only way for owners of existing Teslas in Australia to use their vehicles to power a home.
The author, electrical engineer and Tesla owner Mark Purcell, reports that his Model Y supplied about 25 kW to his home through a Sigenergy bidirectional DC charger on October 12. He says the car continues to power his house because he has deferred software updates, though doing so also means missing other fixes.
Tesla’s Australian owner’s manual warns against using the battery as a stationary power source and says doing so voids the warranty. However, the company’s Australian warranty page, as described in the article, excludes damage caused by third-party adaptors or chargers rather than cancelling the entire warranty. The article also notes that statutory consumer guarantees under Australian law cannot be waived through a manual statement.
Purcell has lodged a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and asked the Australian Electric Vehicle Association to support it. He says Tesla may have a safety or engineering reason for the change, but argues that the company should explain it and consider alternatives such as certified partner equipment, discharge limits or a published interface for charger makers.
The dispute raises broader questions about whether carmakers can restrict how owners use vehicle batteries through software updates. Purcell argues that compatibility between cars and chargers is important as Australia expands rooftop solar and home battery use, and calls for clear notice of functional changes and rules that support interoperability.
Sources: CleanTechnica.