How EVs could save us from power outage drama

Living in South Wales you get used to certain things – rain, the occasional sheep meandering down the road, but not the unpredictable dance of power outages. Nothing quite prepares you for the abrupt symphony of shrieking freezer smart alarms that punctuate the serenity of the predawn hours. That was our wakeup call at precisely 05:30am this morning - an inconvenient alarm clock none of us had set.

As I reluctantly rose, rubbing sleep from my eyes, my thoughts (quite naturally) drifted to the power potential lurking silently in the driveway: our electric vehicle (EV). Could its stored energy have been the knight in shining armour, silencing those blasted alarms and restoring peace to the households of South Wales? It's not as far-fetched as it sounds.

For one, bi-directional charging, a concept that has been humming along in the world of EVs, could be the knight in question. This technology allows EVs not just to guzzle power but to give it back. Essentially, it turns your EV into a portable, rechargeable battery pack. Our homes could tap into this during untimely outages, keeping critical appliances running smoothly. And perhaps sparing the neighbourhood the harrowing chorus of smart tech on the fritz.

On a deeper note, this could have implications beyond just preserving our early morning tranquillity. Consider those in our community who depend on electrically powered medical devices. Rather than these devices needing bulky and cumbersome standby battery packs, a parked EV could step in, providing backup power in case of emergencies. And let's not forget the potential reduction in food waste with our trusty EVs temporarily powering refrigeration units, thus preventing our Ben and Jerry's from meeting an untimely, melted end.

It's not just about riding to the rescue during outages, either. Smart charging can ensure our vehicles 'reload' homes back to the grid during off-peak hours, smoothing out demand spikes. We'd essentially be living in a self-sustaining energy ecosystem, all thanks to our four-wheeled friends.

Does it sound like a tech-utopia? Maybe. But it's not just fanciful thinking. Several car manufacturers and energy companies are already trialling this technology. As the number of EVs increases, we may find that we've not just swapped petrol pumps for plugs, but that we've also gained a powerful ally in the battle against the unpredictability of power supply and to utilise green energy more fully.

But let's not forget the critical, real-life impacts this could have. My husband, for one, was no doubt relieved to escape to work this morning, avoiding the depths of my newfound obsession with bi-directional EV charging. In the future, perhaps power outages might be greeted with a smile and a triumphant walk to the driveway, instead of a grumble and a frantic search for the fuse box.

So, fellow IMI members, as we venture further down this rabbit hole of EV potential, let's not just see them as a vehicle that gets us from A to B. Instead, let's embrace the possibilities, the hope of peaceful mornings, the promise of supporting our neighbours in need, and the freedom from power outages that disturb our calm lives. All thanks to our unassuming heroes in the garage.

Have an opinion on the industry and where it’s heading, get in touch with MotorPro Editor James Scoltock