A2Z Adapter Recall: Typhoon v1 Exchange Program

ack154 · Nov 7, 2024

Many more of you probably just got the same email (and might even beat met to posting as I type this).

Looks like A2Z is recalling the V1 CCS to NACS adapters with an exchange program.

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
NHTSA Recall # : 24E094

Dear A2Z EV customers,

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
A2Z EV has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain original NACS to CCS1 Adapter, the Typhoon Adapter (V1 with the slider lock). Through this recall, you can receive an improved Typhoon Pro (V2 Adapter - No slider lock), which features a more robust locking mechanism designed to enhance overall safety and usability.

Why We're Offering This Exchange

We received feedback from Tesla suggesting alleged concerns regarding the locking mechanism and surface temperature. We provided Tesla with multiple internal and external testings and reports, but a mutual agreement could not be reached. No safety event has been reported whatsoever.

Locking Mechanism : Over time, and after approximately 10,000 cycles of insertion and withdrawal, the retaining force of the locking mechanism on the V1 adapter's NACS inlet may degrade. This degradation could lead to a reduction in the locking force, potentially affecting the secure retention of the NACS connector during use. If the locking mechanism is degraded, the adapter may completely stop working as a safety measure.

High-Amperage Charging :

In conditions where the adapter is used at high amperage (≥500 amps) for extended periods (e.g., one hour or more), the surface temperature of the V1 adapter may rise by approximately 5-10°C over what the standard prescribes. This increase could exceed maximum temperature standards for EV charging equipment, more specifically adapters, potentially leading to a reduction in power or a complete halt in the charging session to maintain safety.

To mitigate the risk of personal injury, users must always ensure the adapter’s locking mechanism is used as intended. The adapter’s surface temperature may get hot if used for sustained periods of use.

We are providing the Typhoon Pro/V2 adapter to address any risks, incorporating a new locking mechanism that is easier to use and better aligned with recent advancements in EV safety standards. This will be provided to you free of charge.

There's more to it too, with some instructions and eligibility info, but that's the main detail. It eventually points to here: https://a2zevshop.com/apps/vep

Video explanation

kennelh · Nov 7, 2024

ack154 said:
Many more of you probably just got the same email (and might even beat met to posting as I type this).

Looks like A2Z is recalling the V1 CCS to NACS adapters with an exchange program.

There's more to it too, with some instructions and eligibility info, but that's the main detail. It eventually points to here: https://a2zevshop.com/apps/vep

I was just watching Tom's interview on State of Charge when the e-mail arrived. Already submitted for an exchange. I must say out Typhoon adapter has worked great.

Xanasazi · Nov 7, 2024

is this a big enough issue that I should go through the trouble?

ack154 · Nov 7, 2024

Xanasazi said:
is this a big enough issue that I should go through the trouble?

They way they make it sound? Probably not - but I'll get mine replaced anyway just to not take any risk.

Sikkun · Nov 7, 2024

Xanasazi said:
is this a big enough issue that I should go through the trouble?

They claim there have been 0 reported issues. But also claim they are doing the program due to talks with Tesla.

Main takeaway I got from that sounds like the V2 adapter is going to end up with official Tesla blessing.

But I went ahead and did it because V2 you don’t have to deal with the locking mechanism so it’s easier to use.

ChehRob · Nov 7, 2024

This is likely public information so I think it is OK to share it, but here is what was in the recall email I just received:

"Locking Mechanism : Over time, and after approximately 10,000 cycles of insertion and withdrawal, the retaining force of the locking mechanism on the V1 adapter's NACS inlet may degrade. This degradation could lead to a reduction in the locking force, potentially affecting the secure retention of the NACS connector during use. If the locking mechanism is degraded, the adapter may completely stop working as a safety measure.

High-Amperage Charging :

In conditions where the adapter is used at high amperage (≥500 amps) for extended periods (e.g., one hour or more), the surface temperature of the V1 adapter may rise by approximately 5-10°C over what the standard prescribes. This increase could exceed maximum temperature standards for EV charging equipment, more specifically adapters, potentially leading to a reduction in power or a complete halt in the charging session to maintain safety.

To mitigate the risk of personal injury, users must always ensure the adapter’s locking mechanism is used as intended. The adapter’s surface temperature may get hot if used for sustained periods of use.

We are providing the Typhoon Pro/V2 adapter to address any risks, incorporating a new locking mechanism that is easier to use and better aligned with recent advancements in EV safety standards. This will be provided to you free of charge"

The new one is easier to use. I will follow their directions and submit a request for the newer model.

kodiakng · Nov 7, 2024

while i appreciated the more compact design of the original and didn't mind slide latch locking mechanism i did do the exchange as well. the slide latch was going to wear out and the new button press does look to be well done.

details on the return shipment/exchange process are still unclear at this point though.

Flydivesurf · Nov 7, 2024

Xanasazi said:
is this a big enough issue that I should go through the trouble?

Why worry about the what if’s? Just do it.

—

All 3 of the major brand adapters have had recalls now. While that’s unfortunate, I can say my second gen A2Z (Typhon Pro) has worked flawlessly. I’d have no qualms about exchanging one of those affected for a newer version. Be glad they’re upfront about it and are moving forward with an exchange.

mdolan92869 · Nov 7, 2024

I tried to go through the exchange and it lists a cost and doesn't give me a choice for return method but requires me to select something. But it looks like post #2 says they got it to work. Not sure why it's not working for me.

ack154 · Nov 7, 2024

I have two problems with this as I sit down to submit my replacement request.

1. I had originally ordered the combo pack with CCS1 and J1772 - they make no mention of what needs to happen here but when I go to select my replacement of JUST the CCS1, it tells me that's cheaper than my original order. Duh. I'm proceeding here with only trying to replace the CCS1 adapter.
2. I get all the way to Pick Your Return Method and there is nothing to pick. What is supposed to happen here? If I click Submit it just tells me that field is required - but there's no "field" to select anything. Even tried turning off adblocker and starting over.

EDIT: I got the return method thing to work switching to Edge instead of Chrome - unless it was just a really conveniently timed fix. The only option to select was to pick up from my address (though I'd MUCH rather just drop it off somewhere).

mdolan92869 · Nov 7, 2024

Sent an email to support and they said they fixed the issue and try again. Works now, just got the confirmation email

Madtroniks · Nov 7, 2024

Good to see A2Z doing the right thing and replacing the original Typhoon with Typhoon Pro for customers.

Here is the adapter voluntary exchange program link - A2Z Exchange

Mach-Lee · Nov 7, 2024

I think Tesla is being too alarmist here. Nobody is going to use an adapter 10,000 cycles. And the Mach-E never draws more than 450 amps. So it will never overheat.

EDIT: The more I read about this, the more it seems like Tesla is just being a bully by sending a cease and desist letter, and forcing them to recall the V1 adapter for an unrealistic use case. I don’t know of any EVs that draw 500 amps for a whole hour.

voxel · Nov 7, 2024

Just submitted my exchange. The locking mechanism in V1 is crap and barely works half the time whereas the Tesla/Ford one has been almost flawless.

Sikkun · Nov 7, 2024

ack154 said:
1. I had originally ordered the combo pack with CCS1 and J1772 - they make no mention of what needs to happen here but when I go to select my replacement of JUST the CCS1, it tells me that's cheaper than my original order. Duh. I'm proceeding here with only trying to replace the CCS1 adapter.

I just selected the combo and assumed they will only send us the Pro/ask for the V1 back.

A2Z Adapter Recall: Typhoon v1 Exchange Program

ack154

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kennelh

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Xanasazi

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ack154

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Sikkun

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ChehRob

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