New Initiative Mobilizes EV Owners to Power Communities After Natural Disasters

In the wake of natural disasters, power outages can leave communities in critical need of electricity. A new initiative by mycar Tyre & Auto seeks to address this by mobilizing owners of electric vehicles (EVs) with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities to provide temporary power to affected areas. Named “Charger,” this innovative program aims to support communities by leveraging the unique capabilities of EVs like the Kia EV6, which mycar will be using as part of its dedicated fleet.

How EVs Can Help During Power Outages

Vehicles with V2L capability can transform into mobile power sources, providing electricity to run essential appliances, like phone chargers, refrigerators, water pumps, or even life-sustaining medical equipment like dialysis machines. While V2L functionality is still limited to specific EV models, the list is growing and includes the BYD Atto 3, Genesis GV60, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia Niro EV, and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

The potential of V2L-equipped vehicles was highlighted in February 2023 when electric cars were dispatched to homes in New Zealand after a cyclone caused floods, landslides, and widespread power outages. A BYD Atto 3 owner shared on social media how the vehicle kept their fridge, freezer, lights, and Wi-Fi operational for days, with enough charge to maintain essential services for up to 20 days on minimal usage.

Addressing a Growing Need in Disaster-Stricken Areas

In Australia, 74 percent of residents have experienced a blackout following a natural disaster, according to data from mycar. These events often leave communities in distress and in need of immediate resources. “We know that many drivers purchase EVs with the intent to reduce emissions and have a greener footprint,” said Adele Coswello, Chief Customer Officer at mycar. “That’s why we’re encouraging EV drivers to roll up their sleeves and take part in the trial to help support those while they’re getting back on their feet.”

Rolling Out the Charger Program

The Charger initiative will trial its first phase across Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and Queensland from November 2024 to January 2025. mycar is calling on EV owners with V2L capability to participate, with hopes that their vehicles can bring relief and resilience to communities impacted by power disruptions.

This forward-thinking initiative not only showcases the versatility of electric vehicles but also emphasizes the role of technology in strengthening community resilience. Through programs like Charger, electric vehicles are proving they can do more than reduce emissions – they can also become vital tools for emergency response, powering communities in their time of greatest need.