Portable Battery Solutions By EV Makers Can Power Homes During Hurricanes

Portable power banks can provide electricity to homes and cars in the event of an emergency where there is a loss of power from traditional sources. Electric vehicle makers are now selling these power solutions, which pair with battery-electric cars, trucks and SUVs to create a vehicle-to-home charging ecosystem.

General Motors Energy, GM’s wholly owned subsidiary, has expanded its presence in the home energy storage business with its new PowerBank. The lithium-ion battery comes in 10.6- and 17.7-kWh options, which can either power a home during an emergency or to offset higher electricity rates during peak demand. GM says that by combining two 17.7-kWh batteries the average American home can be powered for up to 20 hours.

The system can be purchased as part of the GM Energy Home System bundle, which also includes a GM Energy PowerShift charger and GM Energy Vehicle-to-Home Enablement kit. Buyers who already have the GM Energy V2H Bundle can simply add on a GM Energy PowerBank.

“One of the core differentiators of GM Energy’s portfolio is its modularity,” said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy in a press release. “The flexibility of our energy management tools, combined with one of the market’s largest lineups of vehicle-to-home-capable EVs, gives our customers more control over their energy use, helping to mitigate the impact of power outages, integrating renewable energy options and unlocking additional values.”

Currently under the General Motors banner the Silverado EV, Equinox EV and Blazer EV (with software update); GMC Sierra EV; and Cadillac Lyriq (with software update) all feature bidirectional charging, which means that vehicle battery can also be used to power a home when needed.

Ford buyers can purchase the Ford Power Station, which allows for bidirectional charging with the Ford F-150 Lightning. That Power Station, however, only functions as a charger and can not be used for energy storage. The company recently announced that EV buyers would get a free home charger and free installation with any purchase.

Nissan also has a wall system called xStorage, but it’s not currently available in the U.S.

GM’s chief rival in home energy storage solutions is Tesla. The company sells Powerwall, which, like GM’s system, can take in solar or grid energy, store it, and then use it either when electricity rates are high or when the power is out. Powerwall 3, its latest generation has an energy capacity of 13.5 kWh, though it can now provide more continuous power than previously. It too can be upgraded and added to for more power.

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Electric Vehicle Charging, Home Power Solutions Go Hand in Hand

The concept of creative a vehicle-to-home charging environment is an important, advanced tool for automakers and homeowners. Allowing homes to charge cars and cars to charge homes, and return green energy to the grid, creates less reliance on public charging infrastructure and utility companies. With V2H solutions offered by known entities, alongside vehicles, automakers are introducing a foreign concept to buyers in a way that may make the technology catch on quicker.