Electric Vehicles Power Homes During Cyclone Alfred
When Cyclone Alfred bore down on southeast Queensland, many residents found themselves facing extended power outages. Amidst the howling winds and emergency warnings, some households were able to keep the lights on, thanks to an often-overlooked technology: vehicle-to-load (V2L).
Richard Barge, a Brighton resident, was prepared for the storm with his electric vehicle (EV) and its special V2L cable. When the power went out at 10 PM last Saturday, his family was ready.
“We didn’t know how long the blackout would last so we connected the fridge first,” Barge said. “Once we realised it was using so little power, we plugged in more appliances.”
Barge’s household used an MG4, one of a growing number of EVs that offer V2L technology. This feature allows users to power appliances from the vehicle’s battery.
Powering Homes with EV Batteries
V2L technology, also known as vehicle-to-load, is available in several electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from manufacturers like BYD, Ford, Kia, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi. By plugging an adaptor into the vehicle’s charging port, the EV converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), enabling it to power external devices.
Barge’s foresight in acquiring the V2L adapter cable proved invaluable during the 36-hour outage.
“For the price you pay for the cable, it’s good insurance to be able to charge all of your devices, your laptop and your phone, and access the internet,” he said. “I’m surprised it doesn’t come with the car.”
Increasing Demand for V2L Equipment
While Barge was prepared, many EV owners were unaware of the V2L feature until the cyclone’s approach. This lack of awareness triggered a surge in demand for V2L equipment.
At EVChargers, a warehouse in Dandenong, Victoria, the team witnessed a dramatic increase in orders just days before the cyclone made landfall.
“On Saturday, we were just tidying up … and the printer that spits out package tickets just started printing out one or two every minute,” said EVChargers spokesman James Selmes. “It didn’t let up. It kept going through the Sunday into Monday and we realised it was Cyclone Alfred getting near the coast.”
Hundreds of orders poured in daily for V2L equipment. The six-person team worked 12-hour shifts to fulfill orders, prioritizing those from the affected region.
“A large number of orders are still flooding into the business, as EV owners prepare for future events,” Selmes said.
V2L Technology: A Coming-of-Age Moment
Although V2L technology has been available in Australian vehicles since 2021, its potential is still unfolding. Some EVs can output up to 3.6 kilowatts of power, enough to keep essential appliances running for several days.
“A typical EV will power your house for two, three or four days, depending on how you use it,” Selmes explained. “It means homeowners can fully utilize the investment they’ve made in their electric vehicle – it’s not just to get them around, it’s also to power their house in times of need.”
Dr. Chris Jones, national president of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, noted that some vehicles can power homes for up to 10 days with V2L, as long as users avoid simultaneously powering high-draw appliances like heating and cooling systems.
The recent cyclone could mark a turning point for V2L. Dr. Jones believes that witnessing real-life applications of the technology will dispel misconceptions and encourage broader adoption.
“It’s not like people had to drop the vehicle battery out and rig something up with wires or MacGyver their way into a solution,” Dr. Jones said. “The fact you can just plug something in will make a lot more people think ‘I might go out and pick up an adaptor now because it’s just such a handy feature’.”
Selmes emphasizes the importance of proactive preparation, urging people to acquire equipment before the disaster strikes.
“When a natural disaster is about to hit your doorstep, that’s not the time to prepare.
“The best time to fix the roof is not when it’s raining but when it’s sunny.”
EVs with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Technology
- BYD: Atto 3, Seal, Dolphin, Shark
- Kia: EV5, EV6, EV9, Niro
- MG: ZS EV, MG4
- Hyundai: Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6
- Ford: F-150 Lightning, Ranger
- Genesis: GV60, GV80
- Mitsubishi: Outlander
- GWM: Cannon Alpha
- Renault: 5 E-Tech
- Peng: G6
- Zeekr: X
