EV Drivers In Australia Are Being Deployed For Natural Disaster Help

With summer storms expected to hit the Land Down Under in the coming months, EVs with vehicle-to-load are being put to good use.

• A lot of electric cars on the market have something called vehicle-to-load (V2L).
• It means power can be exported from the high-voltage battery, transforming the car into a mobile generator.
• In Australia, a company has launched a pilot program where owners of V2L-equipped EVs can go out and help people in areas that were hit by natural disasters.

A lot of new electric vehicles on the market today have something called vehicle-to-load or V2L. This means you can export power from the high-voltage battery that usually sends juice to the motors to power tools or appliances.

All of General Motors’ Ultium-based EVs have V2L, as well as models from Hyundai, Kia and Ford. The controversial Tesla Cybertruck is also part of this group. It’s a very useful thing to have, especially when grid power goes down and your refrigerator is left without electricity for days on end or you don’t have any way to cook a warm meal.

We’ve written about EVs coming to the rescue in tough situations before, but now a company from Australia is taking things up a notch by creating a volunteer group that can use V2L-equipped EVs to go out during or after natural disasters and help out people in need. The trial initiative is the brainchild of Mycar, a company that sells car tires, servicing and repairs.

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After signing up as a volunteer in “The Mycar Chargers” program, EV owners will be called on by a lead member to drive their cars to areas where the grid is down following a natural disaster to power kettles, microwave ovens, refrigerators and even medical equipment. The volunteers will also work with local authorities to come up with the best solutions for helping affected communities, according to CarExpert.

"Many Australians would feel isolated, disconnected and overwhelmed without access to power,” said Jaimie Bloch, a clinical psychologist and behavioral expert. “Power is what connects us to the community and the vital resources that help us feel safe and connected, bringing a sense of normalcy."

With a power output of anywhere between 2 and 4 kilowatts, EVs with V2L functionality can operate as huge portable generators. With a full battery, they can power loads for days before needing to be recharged, which can prove crucial in moments of despair.

The trial volunteer program will run across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory from November 2024 to January 2025. EV owners who drive a car with V2L and have the necessary adaptor for exporting power from the main battery can register on Mycar’s website.