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The Risks of Owning an Electric Vehicle During a Power Outage

With the rise in popularity of electric vehicles, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with owning one. One of the main risks is being stranded during a power outage. If you're stranded without power, you will be unable to charge your vehicle and will be stuck until the power is restored (which can have deadly consequences in some instances).

In addition, electric vehicles are also at risk during floods, fires, tornados, and hurricanes. If you are evacuating an area during a natural disaster, you will need to make sure your vehicle is fully charged before you leave. Otherwise, you may find yourself stranded or with performance issues.

To learn more about the risks of owning an electric vehicle, read on!

Why is a power outage a risk for electric vehicle owners?

 When there is a power outage, electric vehicle owners are left without the ability to charge their vehicles. This can leave them stranded and unable to use their vehicles when they need it the most. Not only does this leave you without a means of escape, but you may also experience a loss of battery power due to the power outage or if the vehicle is not fully charged. As of yet, there is no backup system for electric vehicle charging in the event of a power outage. This means that electric vehicle owners are completely reliant on the grid for charging. This can be especially problematic in areas that experience frequent power outages. If your area is prone to inclement weather, you may find yourself dealing with a loss of charging capabilities at the most inconvenient times.

What are the consequences of a power outage for electric vehicle owners?

 The most immediate consequence of a power outage is that you have no way of charging your electric vehicle. This can result in having to cancel appointments and plans, being stranded and unable to get to your destination, and running out of battery power mid-trip. In addition to lost time and money, electric vehicles may also suffer from diminished performance as a result of a power outage. Electric vehicles rely on the power grid to charge their batteries, so a prolonged power outage can cause the vehicle to perform poorly or even stop working altogether en route to a destination. This can result in costly repairs or replacements and prolonged downtime. In some instances, such as a fire evacuation which is common in California, or a hurricane evac in Florida, the consequences can be deadly.

How can electric vehicle owners prepare for a power outage?

 The best way to prepare for a power outage is to make sure your vehicle is always fully charged and that you have a back-up plan in case of an emergency. Invest in a portable vehicle charger so you always have the power to charge your vehicle when you need it. This can be especially helpful for those living in areas prone to inclement weather or with frequent power outages. In addition, make sure you have other forms of transportation available to you in the event of an emergency. This could include having access to a relative’s car, public transportation, or other, more reliable form of transportation. Having these back-up plans in place can ensure that you always have a way to get to your destination, no matter the situation.

To wrap things up

 Owning an electric vehicle comes with a certain amount of risk, but with proper preparation, you can mitigate those risks. Preparing for a power outage is as simple as having a back-up plan, investing in portable vehicle chargers, and always making sure your vehicle is fully charged. With a little preparation, you can minimize the risks of being stranded and ensure that your electric vehicle is always ready for your next journey...or escape.

(Article by Guest Blogger Robert Ott, Blogger, Writer, Fancier of Fancy Things)