What happens to an EV if it’s only partially charged during a power cut?

If an electric vehicle (EV) is only partially charged during a power cut, it will retain the charge it had at the time the power outage occurred. Unlike traditional plug-in devices that require a constant power supply to function, EVs store energy in their batteries, making them independent of immediate power grid availability once they are charged.

Understanding EV Charging and Power Cuts

During a power cut, an EV's charging process will simply pause if it is connected to a charger. However, if the vehicle is already partially charged, it will remain operational and ready for use. The stored charge in the battery allows you to drive it until the vehicle runs out of power, at which point you would need to locate a functioning charger to top it up.

EV Charger Backup During Power Outages

Currently, standard EV chargers do not have built-in backup systems to continue charging during power outages. However, there are new developments that could reduce this issue:

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology

• Description: V2G technology allows electric vehicles to supply electricity back to the grid or even power homes during blackouts. While this does not provide a direct backup to the charging process itself, it could help stabilize the grid and potentially provide power for essential uses.
• UK Developments: Companies like Octopus Energy have introduced V2G tariffs, which encourage users to sell power back to the grid during peak hours. Although not specifically designed to charge vehicles during outages, this technology represents a promising direction in EV-grid interaction.

Practical Advice

For UK homeowners and small business owners, managing EVs during power outages involves:

• Planned Charging: Ensure your vehicle is fully charged before a predicted or known power outage if possible.
• Locating Alternate Charging Points: Keep an updated list of nearby public charging stations that might not be affected by the same power outage.
• Emergency Preparedness: Consider alternative modes of transportation or essential items that don't rely on electricity for use during extended power cuts.

Common Mistakes and Considerations

• Assuming Continuous Charging: One common mistake is assuming that an EV can continue to charge during a power outage. While some backup systems exist for other devices, EV chargers typically require grid power.
• Not Maintaining Vehicle Charge: Failing to keep your vehicle sufficiently charged can leave you without a reliable means of transportation during extended power outages.

Overall, while EVs provide reliable transportation with stored energy, understanding how they behave during power cuts is crucial for maintaining mobility and convenience.