In a heartwarming turn of events, it’s:”EV’s to the Rescue”. Electric vehicle (EV) owners in south-east Queensland became unexpected heroes during a recent power outage caused by storms. Those equipped with “vehicle-to-load” systems, enabling their cars to function as emergency generators, stepped up to assist their communities during the blackout.

Kristy Holmes, a 42-year-old resident on the Gold Coast, utilized her BYD electric car to power her 11-year-old son Levi’s life-saving dialysis machine when their electricity was cut off on Christmas Day. Initially, she and her husband used the EV to support their neighbors by connecting fridges, but when the power outage persisted, Holmes realized the car could handle the critical dialysis equipment.

Holmes shared her experience, stating, “We ran it off the car. We only needed to use it for one night. We could have run it for at least four nights and then have to go charge the car somewhere.” Her son Levi, in need of a transplant, faced potential life-threatening consequences without treatment, making the EV’s role crucial during the storm.

Matt McLaughlin, a 52-year-old chemistry teacher and EV driver, also played a crucial role in helping his community during the power outage. Offering emergency power assistance on a local Facebook group, McLaughlin used his EV with the vehicle-to-load capability to aid residents in need, emphasizing the positive side of electric vehicles.

McLaughlin, a member of the Rural Fire Service, was unaffected by the outage due to his solar panels and Tesla Powerwall home battery system. This allowed him to assist others, including a couple locked in their home by an electric gate. He highlighted the helpful nature of the community during crises, stating, “In a semi-rural area, you’ve got to help out your neighbors.”

These heartening stories showcase the resilience and positive impact of EV technology during unexpected challenges. EV owners with vehicle-to-load systems emerged as community heroes, demonstrating the versatility and utility of electric vehicles beyond transportation. As the EV community continues to grow, such instances contribute to changing perceptions and emphasizing the benefits of sustainable and innovative technologies.