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Storm and Hurricane Prep: How EVs with V2L Keep You Powered Through It All

October 10, 2024

Electric vehicles with vehicle-to-load (V2L) can act as mobile generators during outages.
V2L power is cheaper and cleaner than using gas generators during emergencies.
EVs with V2L, paired with solar energy, improve energy resilience during storms, though water damage risks must be managed.

When disaster strikes, whether it’s Hurricane Helene, Milton’s flooding, or a sudden blackout, people are left grappling with a lack of basic necessities like power. Recent events have highlighted just how vulnerable our power grids are, with storms knocking out electricity for extended periods. In situations like these, electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities have proven to be lifesavers.

V2L lets an EV work like a mobile generator, giving you essential power during emergencies. It changes how we deal with power outages and storm recovery. Not only is this feature convenient, it also helps with safety, resilience, and saving money during power outages and storm recovery

EVs with V2L Are Essential Power Backup During Hurricanes

For example, in Florida, where hurricanes often cause power outages, EVs equipped with V2L become essential for staying comfortable during these disasters. With the grid down, your EV could power a small, quiet window air conditioner for a few days, helping control humidity and temperature in 90-degree heat. Additionally, the V2L feature can power a pump to remove flood water from your house, making it a necessity not only for comfort but also for handling post-storm cleanup, including yard work and water removal.

Many electric vehicles now come with bidirectional charging, which lets them power essential appliances by sending energy back out from the car. Models like the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian with their R1T and R1S, and the Tesla Cybertruck, offer this feature. When the power grid goes down, these vehicles can act as reliable backup power sources, running things like tools, fans, and refrigerators. This is especially important during storms like Hurricanes Matthew, Irma, or Helene, which leave communities without power for days. EVs with V2L are changing the way we think about staying powered during emergencies.

Ford F-150 Lightning Review Comparing the Best Electric Pickup Trucks Electrify Reviewed - cargo bed

Photo of Ford employee telling audience of the F-150 Lightning truck bed features

A Cheaper, Cleaner Power Solution for Storms and Outages

The costs associated with using an EV in this capacity are minimal compared to traditional gas-powered generators. By comparison, using a gas generator for the same purposes would burn through gallons of gas, and cost you more. Not to mention, the noise and pollution from the generator are added inconveniences that many homeowners would rather avoid. The silent, emission-free power of an EV is cheaper and cleaner, a key consideration as more regions, like South Florida, battle rising sea levels and worsening storms.

Storms like Hurricane Milton and Helene show that our current power systems just aren’t reliable enough. Solar energy and electric vehicles (EVs) can be a big part of the solution, not just for the environment, but to keep power on during long outages.

Tesla Cybertruck at Electrify Expo Phoenix — _{A new “Powershare” vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability is available on the new Tesla Cybertruck.}

The Clean Energy Group says adding EVs with bidirectional charging to emergency plans can give communities a reliable, portable energy source. In storm-prone areas like Florida, the combination of solar power and electric vehicles with V2L capabilities can significantly reduce outage times. By pairing solar with battery storage, homeowners can better protect themselves during hurricanes and other disasters.

Flood Risks and EVs: Stay Safe and Powered During Hurricanes

But there’s an important safety consideration here: flooding and hurricanes pose unique risks to electric vehicles. Recently, CNN reported a Tesla Model X Plaid caught fire in Florida after being submerged in floodwaters. According to Battery University, lithium-ion batteries can be unstable if damaged by water, which raises concerns for owners of electric vehicles in flood-prone regions.

However, with proper preparation, such as parking on higher ground or using waterproof covers, the risk can be mitigated. As more electric cars with V2L capabilities hit the market, educating consumers on both the benefits and the risks is crucial.

Electrify Expo Seattle 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 — _{The 120v outlets of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 can power all sorts of tools and appliances.}

If you haven’t been through a major storm-related power outage, it’s easy to overlook how important it is to be prepared. But anyone who’s dealt with multiple hurricanes will tell you that having an EV with V2L or solar power is life-saving. These technologies keep homes powered and safe when things get tough. EV owners are already using their cars to keep the lights on when the grid fails.

As storms grow stronger and more common, it’s important to think about how to prepare for the next blackout. By adding solar panels, investing in energy storage, and choosing an electric vehicle with V2L capabilities, you can turn days of discomfort into manageable situations. Floods and hurricanes won’t wait, but with the right tools, you can stay ahead. The power to stay safe, cool, and connected is already in your driveway.