Could EVs be the new Mobile Power Stations?

Electric Vehicles took a surprising turn during the power-effected areas from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay, coming to the rescue for owners coping with Cyclone Alfred’s power outages

Many modern Electric and Plug-in hybrid vehicles now feature “Vehicle-to-load” (V2L) technology, which allows them to supply power from their main battery to external devices, which means EV owners can keep essential appliances running, such as refrigerators, or charge smartphones and other electronics during blackouts.

Several models, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5,Kia EV6, MG4 Hatchback,BYD Shark, and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, are equipped with this functionality -though Tesla models do not currently offer it.

Reports of EV owners  indicate they used their BYD Atto 3 to power their fridge, lights and home office for three days after the storms knocked out power.

Another story related a power cable running to their neighbor’s house to keep their fridge running alongside their own two fridges.

An MG owner relied on their MG4 51 Excite for power to keep a large fridge, devices, a kettle and their necessary coffee machine running.

Observatiuons of losing up to 10% battery per day with the battery likely to last a full week demonstrates this technology is a game-changer – and a greater alternative to the humble generator.

Vehicle services company MyCar – formerly Kmart Tyre & Auto – launched the initiative “The Chargers” as a network of volunteers driving to homes without power to offer their EVs providing electricity to those affected by the cyclone and in need.

As extreme weather events become more frequent, V2L technology is proving to be more than just a convenience – it’s a potential lifeline.

EVs are demonstrating their use beyond a transporting vehicle, proving how they will soon become an entrenched aspect to modern lifestyle.