Storm Blackout? Here’s How Your EV Becomes a Backup Generator

A New Way to Stay Powered During Storm Season

At Fallon Solutions, we’ve been helping Queenslanders stay powered up for decades from installing home generators to designing solar and battery systems, and setting up EV charging stations.

Now, there’s another smart way to keep the lights on, tools running, and devices charged when the grid goes down, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology in modern electric vehicles.

If you own a compatible EV or plug-in hybrid, your car’s battery can power essential appliances and systems during a blackout , no generator required.

What Is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)?

Vehicle-to-Load technology allows your EV’s high-voltage battery to act as a portable power source. It converts stored energy into usable electricity (12V, 24V, or 240V) so you can plug in and power up almost anywhere.

Think of it as replacing a traditional generator but without the noise, fuel, or fumes.

When Would You Use V2L?

We’ve seen customers use V2L in all sorts of creative ways. Some of the most common include:

• Camping off-grid: Power your fridge, lights, and cooking gear with ease.

• On the job site: Run tools and equipment without a separate generator.

• During a blackout: Keep your fridge cold, Wi-Fi running, and lights on until power is restored.

Most V2L-enabled vehicles can supply 2000–3000W of power, similar to a small generator. Some newer models can deliver up to 6kW, enough to run multiple circuits at once.

How Long Can It Power Your Gear?

That depends on your battery capacity, state of charge, and what you’re powering.

For example, a fully charged 60 kWh EV battery powering a fridge, lights, TV, and modem (around 1000 W total) could keep everything running for roughly 60 hours before needing a recharge.

How Is the Power Delivered?

Different EV manufacturers offer varying V2L connection options. Depending on your model, you might find:

• Built-in 240 V outlets inside or outside the vehicle

• 12 V sockets for smaller electronics

• Adapters that plug into the charging port and provide multiple outlets

These make it easy to power everything from a laptop to a microwave, depending on your EV’s output capacity.

Which EVs in Australia Offer V2L?

Here are some popular models currently available with V2L capability:

• Audi: E-Tron SUV

• BYD: Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, Sealion 6 PHEV, Shark PHEV

• Ford: F-150 Lightning

• Hyundai: Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kona

• Kia: EV6, EV9, Niro, Sorento PHEV

• Mitsubishi: Outlander PHEV, Eclipse Cross PHEV

• Nissan: Leaf

• Volkswagen: All ID models

More manufacturers are now including V2L as standard equipment as electric vehicle technology evolves.

How Fallon Solutions Can Help

If you’re planning to use your EV as a backup power source, it’s important to do so safely and in line with QLD electrical standards.

Our licensed electricians can:

• Install compliant connection points for EV backup power

• Set up automatic or manual changeover switches for blackout use

• Advise on load management to prevent overloads

• Integrate V2L with existing solar and battery systems for maximum efficiency

With licensed Master Electricians, over 60 years of trust, and our Safe Hands Promise, Fallon Solutions ensures your setup is safe, reliable, and ready when you need it.

Turn Your EV Into a Silent Power Source

Vehicle-to-Load technology transforms your electric car into a quiet, emissions-free power supply for your home, campsite, or job site.

Whether you want energy resilience during storms, off-grid capability, or flexible job site power, Fallon Solutions can help you design and install a compliant V2L connection that works seamlessly with your energy system.