The Chargers to use EVs to provide power in blackouts

A clever campaign could soon see electric car owners saving the very people who have spent years hating on them.

The Chargers are EV volunteers who donate power following a disaster. Picture: Supplied

Electric car owners can volunteer to help their neighbours during a blackout by serving as mobile power stations this summer.

Many EVs can offload power from their main battery to household appliances such as mobile phones, power banks, fridges, kettles or microwaves.

Owners of cars with the so-called “vehicle to load” capacity can volunteer to drive to areas affected by power outages following a natural diaster and donate power to help people without access to electricity.

The Chargers are EV volunteers who donate power following a disaster. Picture: Supplied

Known as The Chargers, the program has been established by Mycar Tyre and Auto, a servicing network formerly known as Kmart Tyre and Auto.

Owners of EVs including BYD’s Atto 3, Dolphin or Seal, the Genesis GV60, GV70 and GV80, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, Kia EV6, EV9 and Niro, MG4 and MG ZS EV can register to become a charger.

Tesla’s EVs are not eligible for the program.

Those who participate will be notified of a natural disaster by SMS, then asked to prepare and confirm their availability by email.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6.

Volunteers then drive to established meeting point and complete charging assignments, helping the affected community.

They then check out, leave the area and let their charging team know when they’ve safely arrived home.

The service will be trialled initially in QLD, NSW, ACT and Victoria.

A Lead Charger employed by Mycar will work with authorities such as the SES to determine where volunteers can safely help, then co-ordinate their response.

Mycar chief customer officer Adele Coswello said “everyone knows you can charge an EV, but the fact many can also be a source of power is still quite new information”.

“At Mycar, we wanted to raise awareness of the benefits of discharging an EV, especially as our research shows Aussie drivers would provide power from their EV if they knew they could help the community in times of need,” she said.

“We know that many drivers purchase EVs with the intent to reduce emissions and have a greener footprint.

2024 BYD Shark 6. Picture: Supplied

“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.”

Jaimie Bloch, a clinical psychologist and behavioural expert, said people experience a lot of uncertainty and trauma during and after natural disasters.

“Often, these disasters result in a loss of access to power, putting more strain on families, and placing additional stress and anxiety on an already overwhelming situation,” she said.

“Without access to power, Aussies feel a disconnection to the community and access to everyday resources that are vital to bringing back a sense of normalcy after natural disasters.”

More info:Mycar.com.au

Originally published as The Chargers to use EVs to provide power in blackouts