If you are considering buying an electric car in 2024, it is important to compare factors such as price, range, and charging speed. However, another crucial aspect to consider is whether the electric car can power your home during power cuts.
A growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) entering the market have the ability to utilize the energy stored in their batteries to keep your home powered during blackouts and reduce your utility bill when rates are high. This feature, known as bidirectional charging, also has the potential to transform EVs into a significant energy source for utilities dealing with renewable energy production and power disruptions caused by climate change.
As the number of EVs on the road increases, utilities can combine their batteries to create virtual power plants, which can help meet spikes in demand without having to rely on fossil fuel power stations. According to a paper published by the nonprofit organization Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), the 2.1 million EVs currently in the United States have an estimated 126 gigawatt-hours of battery storage, which is five times more than the battery storage connected to the grid.
Global Events Raise Importance:
The importance of backup power has become more evident as extreme weather and power cuts occur more often globally. For example, California is regularly affected by blackouts due to wildfires and heatwaves. A quarter of new car sales are now electric, with EVs accounting for more than 40% of sales in some Bay Area ZIP codes.
When Ford introduced its electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck in 2022, it highlighted the truck’s 131 kilowatt hour battery pack, which can power a home for several days with the installation of a bidirectional charger and a home power management system. On the other hand, a Tesla Powerwall home battery has a capacity of 13.5 kWh.
More Choices in the Pipeline:
Other electric vehicles from Hyundai & Kia feature bidirectional batteries. General Motors Co. recently announced that its new line of Ultium electric vehicles will also be bidirectional. The Nissan Leaf and Rivian’s trucks and SUVs are also equipped for two-way charging. Notably, Tesla has previously avoided bidirectional charging, but Tesla executive Drew Baglino stated at an investor event that he expected Tesla cars to have bidirectional capabilities within two years.
Purchasing a bidirectional capable car is just the first step in transforming your vehicle into a mobile power plant. There are different types of bidirectional charging, each with its own costs and benefits. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) allows you to power smaller items and devices by plugging them directly into outlets in the vehicle. For example, the F-150 Lightning offers a 240 volt outlet in the truck bed and several outlets in the cabin.
Vehicle to home (V2H) takes the integration of the car with the home a step further. By connecting the car to the home’s electrical system, it can automatically supply backup power during grid outages. This requires the installation of a bidirectional charger, along with the necessary hardware and software to manage power flow. If you have a rooftop solar array and a home battery, a home integration system can ensure that the car and battery are charged with solar energy during the day, and the stored electricity can be supplied to the home during peak utility rates. However, it is important to note that V2H currently comes at a premium cost. The installation of a bidirectional charger and home integration system for the Ford F-150 Lightning, for example, costs around $11,000, while a conventional charger installation is around $2,000.
Getting Something for Nothing:
The concept of vehicle to everything (V2X) involves incorporating electric vehicles into power grids. In Germany it’s possible to charge the car at night when the electricity is cheaper. EV owners then back feed to the grid and earn a profit from the difference.
In conclusion, bidirectional charging capabilities in electric vehicles have the potential to revolutionize how we use and generate power. By allowing EVs to power homes and support the grid, it can help utilities avoid relying on fossil fuel power stations during peak demand times and improve resilience during blackouts caused by climate change. However, the cost of implementing bidirectional charging systems and infrastructure is a factor to consider. As the technology continues to advance, it is expected that more EV models will offer bidirectional capabilities. These EV’s will be versatile assets that can contribute to a cleaner and more efficient energy system.
There are unfortunately a high number of power cuts in Cambodia, especially in provincial areas. Therefore buying an electric car that can power your home would be a big advantage.
Currently the availability of electric car is quite small so the choices are limited.