Electric cars can be used to power home devices during emergencies
- School closures due to impacts from Hurricane Helene
- What Ga., S.C. agencies want you to know
- Local Red Cross is ready to offer assistance
- What you should know about power outages ahead of Helene
- Things you should know about hurricanes and tropical storms
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious threat when electricity goes out and people start using gasoline-powered generators. But the advent of electric vehicles also has provided an unexpected emergency power source that doesn’t come with dangerous fumes.
EVs, which are all over Georgia streets, need electricity to recharge, which could leave drivers stranded during a prolonged power outage. But they offer a hidden advantage, because many charger points are two-way.
Tesla owners are out of luck unless you have the Cybertruck or a special adapter. But most other EVs have some version of vehicle-to-load or bi-directional charging. Some vehicles also have a hidden plug under the seat.
According to Cars.com, bidirectional charging enables vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging.
V2G can be used to supply electricity from vehicle batteries. Meanwhile, V2H takes the energy from the vehicle’s battery and uses it to power a home or building, meaning it can act as a backup during a power outage.
A third type of charging, vehicle-to-load, lets EVs provide AC power to charge home appliances and large electronic devices.
Be prepared
- Build an emergency kit: Ensure you have enough food, water, medications, and other necessities to last at least 72 hours.
- Clear gutters and drains: Make sure to clear your gutters and storm drains of debris to prevent water accumulation and reduce the risk of flooding around your home.
- Secure outdoor items: Store or secure outdoor furniture, garden tools, and toys. High winds can turn these objects into dangerous projectiles.
- Stay informed: Monitor local weather forecasts and stay informed about the developments of the storm. Have several ways to get emergency information.
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