EVs being used to power homes following cyclone

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come to the rescue after being used to power homes following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle on parts of New Zealand’s electrical grid.

Energy company Ecotricity has supplied multiple battery electric cars with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities to its customers who have been left without power for days, essentially using the vehicles as mobile power stations.

In a video published by the company last week, presenter Gavin Shoebridge dropped off a BYD Atto 3 to a home owner who had been left without power for two days.

After plugging a BYD supplied adaptor into the car’s charging port, power was restored from the car’s battery.

Hyundai New Zealand was also on hand to provide aid to those without electricity after supplying an Ioniq 5 while BYD has provided three vehicles in total to affected homes.

However, not all EVs have V2L capability with MG instead supplying Ecotricity with its ZS to help transport residents in need.

EV owners also took to social media to show how their cars were getting them through what would otherwise be days without power.

“We have had no power for two days, three nights. The V2L system has been running our fridge, lights, charging appliances, internet wifi and the odd appliance like toaster and coffee machine,” a BYD owner posted to Facebook.

Hyundai New Zealand also shared a customer’s story showing their Ioniq 5 supplying power to their home.