Electric Vehicles: A Better Alternative to Generators for Emergency Power
January 22, 2025
More sustainable options are available for maintaining power even when the grid is down; read this blog to learn more.
The recent Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) left many residents struggling without power at home for multiple days. In response, many residents are exploring backup power options for their homes. Historically, this meant relying on noisy gas or diesel generators. Now however, there are more sustainable options available for maintaining power even when the grid is down.
One option is to install a solar panel and battery system that allows the home to generate and store power during power outages. But, these systems can be expensive. Another option is to just install a standalone battery system that charges from the grid and can be used during a power outage to power essentials. However, once the battery has discharged, it won’t recharge until power is restored.
Recently, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a new source of backup power for homes. Instead of installing a standalone battery in the house, EVs equipped with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) or Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities use the EVs substantial battery to provide clean and quiet power. V2H EVs are capable of powering the entire home through the home’s electrical panel. V2L can power individual appliances or tools via onboard outlets, perfect for outdoor activities or partial emergency power. You can find more information about V2L and V2H systems here: V2L ,V2H.
If you are in the market for a new or used car, you may want to consider buying one that can also power your home during an outage. These YouTube videos provide more information about V2L and V2H systems: V2L , V2H.
Advantages of EVs as Backup Power
EVs equipped with bidirectional charging (V2H or V2L) offer numerous advantages over traditional generators. First, unlike noisy gas-powered generators, EVs operate silently, making them ideal for residential neighborhoods and nighttime use. Second, they represent clean power that does not raise concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning. Third, EV batteries are significantly larger than most home backup batteries or portable generators. This allows them to power homes for days at a time.
Two Ventura County residents share how they used their cars as backup power during the SCE PSPS Events earlier this month:
Lost power Tuesday night and used the EV6 V2L to power the fridge, some lights, charge devices. Connected the car at 7am Wed with 85% charge. At 2:15pm today charge is down to 74%. That's approximately 8-9 kWh. - Paul
Alternating powering two fridges, UPS to keep WiFi going and charging devices with the IONIQ 5’s V2L since early Wednesday morning. Started at 75% now down in the low 50% range. Love it! - Mark
Additionally, EVs can be recharged from EV chargers using solar power, a key advantage over fuel-dependent generators. This eliminates reliance on external fuel supplies. Even with the multiple and extended outages this year, there were EV chargers available locally to charge vehicles. If you are in the market for a new or used car, you may want to consider buying one that can also power your home during an outage.
The chart below lists a few EVs that provide V2L or V2H and how long they could power a typical home. Since V2L will power significantly fewer devices, the battery should last much longer than what is shown.
Vehicle Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Days of Home Power (Typical Usage) |
Kia Niro EV | 64 kWh | 2 - 4 days |
Ford F-150 Lightning | 98 - 131 kWh | 3 - 10 days |
Chevrolet Silverado EV | ~200 kWh | 7+ days |
Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 58 - 77.4 kWh | 2 - 5 days |
There is a wide range of costs for vehicles capable of V2L and V2H. The table below lists some models with examples of current pricing These vehicles may also be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $7,500, however, buyers should confirm this information with the dealer or manufacturer as incentives may change.
Vehicle Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Starting Price | V2L/V2H Capability |
BMW iX | 71 kWh | ~$83,000 | V2L |
Chevrolet Silverado EV | ~200 kWh | ~$55,000 (Work Truck trim) | V2L and V2H |
Ford F-150 Lightning | 98 - 131 kWh | ~$49,995 | V2L and V2H |
Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 58 - 77.4 kWh | ~$41,450 | V2L |
Kia EV6 | 58 - 77.4 kWh | ~$48,700 | V2L |
Kia EV9 | TBD kWh | TBD | V2L |
Nissan Leaf | 24 - 62 kWh | ~$28,000 | V2H (CHAdeMO required) |
The Future of Backup Power
As EV technology evolves, more manufacturers are integrating bidirectional (V2L and V2H) charging. If you’re considering backup power, think beyond the generator. An EV not only offers a sustainable solution but also represents the future of energy resilience.
Blog developed with AI assistance