Electric car as a way out: a Chinese trick for surviving a blackout

As power outages become more common, many people are seeking alternative solutions to maintain comfort at home. In China, for example, electric car drivers have found an effective way – they turn their cars into energy sources.

Electric cars in Ukraine, in particular, are becoming indispensable during power outages, functioning as large power banks. For example, an electric car battery can power a laptop, light a room, or even heat water. One engineer from Beijing, who survived the winter using a Tesla Model Y to heat his house, jokingly noted: “We don’t just drive on electricity, we depend on it.”

This opportunity was made possible by bidirectional charging technology, which operates in two modes: V2L (vehicle-to-load), which allows you to connect household appliances to the car, and V2H (vehicle-to-home), which enables the vehicle to provide electricity to the entire house via special adapters. For example, the BYD Tang crossover can power electric stoves and refrigerators with a capacity of up to 3 kW via a 220 V outlet.

An auto electrician from Kyiv says that in the event of a power outage, the car can power household appliances for several hours or even the whole night. This is also a more environmentally friendly and safer option than gasoline generators, as it produces no emissions or noise.

In Ukraine, electric car drivers are actively using this technology. Videos of Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 powering microwave ovens, coffee makers, and even heaters have already appeared on social networks. For this, an adapter included in the car kit is usually used.

It is also worth noting recent reports on the most challenging winter conditions in Ukraine, as well as the power and gas outages Ukrainians may face.

Thus, electric cars are becoming not only a means of transportation but also an essential part of life when the electricity supply becomes a problem.