An electric vehicle can do more than get drivers from one place to another. For owners of compatible models, the battery sitting in the driveway can also help keep essential appliances running when a storm knocks out power.
Here's what to know
In a YouTube video, the creator behind Dave Takes It On (@davetakesiton) explained how vehicle-to-load technology, or V2L, allows compatible EVs to power appliances through an adapter.
The vehicle's capabilities and available equipment determine whether an owner can use an air fryer or kettle during a power cut.
"Most EV batteries are packed full of electricity that you can use," said the creator.
Supplying a home's electrical system is a separate capability, known as vehicle-to-home technology, that Dave said requires a suitably equipped vehicle.
He estimated that an average household uses 10 to 12 kilowatt-hours of electricity daily. Residents could bring emergency demand below that level by forgoing energy-intensive chores, including laundry and tumble-drying.
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More background
Advance preparation can help drivers of either EVs or fuel-powered vehicles avoid disruption when severe weather affects local services. As Dave noted, an outage can stop gasoline and diesel pumps too, because they also need electricity.
For households seeking additional backup, Dave put home battery prices at roughly £2,000 ($2,693) to £5,000 ($6,734). Day-to-day savings offer a use for them outside emergencies: owners can draw on stored, cheaper overnight electricity rather than buy power at higher daytime rates.
Using his own Octopus Energy bill, Dave cited overnight electricity at 6.6 pence (8.1 cents) per kilowatt-hour, compared to 28.39 pence (38.24 cents) during the day. That amounts to a difference of 21.79 pence for each kilowatt-hour purchased at the lower rate.
He noted that £500 in annual savings would add up to £5,000 over 10 years.
What can be done?
For those seeking a separate backup, Dave suggested portable power stations costing under £1,000 ($1,346). Portable solar panels can recharge these units. They are useful for camping as well as for running essential appliances during an outage, within their output limits.
Powering an entire home requires attention to installation and potential additional costs.
One commenter with solar panels and a home battery said their household had declined a whole-home backup option that would have cost an additional £1,500.
"The EV advantage is it combines mobility and large capacity, which the other options can't do," another said. "And for people who own a car, they've already had to buy a car anyway (unlike investing in an expensive solar + battery solution). This is one reason why EV battery capacities might continue to increase, beyond just what is needed for driving range (within size, weight and cost limits, of course)."
Where can I learn more?
What you can power with a vehicle depends on the model and the equipment you connect to it.
• In California, researchers are testing EVs that can keep homes powered during outages.
• A New Zealand EV trial could let cars power homes for days and lower bills.
• Australian EV owners could skip a $10,000 charger using V2G technology and existing solar.
• A Toyota RAV4's 12V outlet poses limits for charging a Jackery during outages.
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