G.M. Will Add Backup Power Function to Its Electric Vehicles

General Motors to Equip Electric Vehicles with Backup Power Supply

Summary

As extreme weather events lead to more power outages, General Motors (G.M.) announced its plan to equip all its electric cars and trucks with the ability to act as backup power supplies during blackouts.

Introduction

General Motors said Tuesday that it planned to equip all its electric cars and trucks with the ability to act as backup power supplies during blackouts. The decision to install two-way charging technology in Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC electric vehicles shows how carmakers are marketing the vehicles as not only cleaner but also more practical than their gasoline counterparts.

Implementation of Vehicle-to-Home Technology

The technology will begin appearing in vehicles this year, including an electric version of the Silverado pickup and an electric Cadillac Escalade, which G.M. will unveil on Wednesday. By the 2026 model year, all G.M. electric vehicles will have vehicle-to-home technology, enabling them to power homes in an emergency. This will also include a new version of the Chevrolet Bolt, which G.M. initially planned to discontinue but reversed the decision due to public demand for affordable electric vehicles.

Appeal of Backup Power Supply

Vehicles that can provide power during a blackout are becoming increasingly appealing as blackouts become more frequent and longer due to extreme weather caused by climate change. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average duration of power outages doubled from 2015 to 2021.

Practical Advantages of Electric Vehicles

Carmakers are emphasizing the practical advantages of electric vehicles as they market them to consumers who may not prioritize environmental concerns or are hesitant to adopt new technology. G.M. Vice President, Hossein Hassani, highlighted the ability of electric vehicles to provide both mobility and backup power for homes.

G.M. vs. Tesla

G.M.’s backup power technology puts it in competition with Tesla, whose Powerwall batteries can store solar energy and provide backup power. While Tesla vehicles are not designed to power homes currently, the company has hinted at adding that capability in the future.

Connectivity and Cost

All G.M. vehicles will be able to supply power to homes, but customers will need to pay extra for hardware to connect to household electrical systems. However, the cost is expected to be lower than that of a generator or a separate battery. For comparison, Tesla sells Powerwalls for $8,700 before federal tax credits.

Electric Vehicles Supporting the Grid

Electric vehicles are also seen as a means for utilities to store excess solar or renewable energy. Owners can allow utilities to use their vehicles as energy storage units, absorbing renewable energy when it is abundant and releasing it when the grid requires more power. This approach enhances grid resiliency and supports the integration of sustainable energy sources.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • Indicator: Average duration of power outages.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
   • Indicator: Adoption of vehicle-to-home technology in electric vehicles.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Indicator: Increase in extreme weather events leading to power outages.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

• Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
• Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator: Average duration of power outages (related to Target 7.1).
• Indicator: Adoption of vehicle-to-home technology in electric vehicles (related to Target 9.4).
• Indicator: Increase in extreme weather events leading to power outages (related to Target 13.1).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: nytimes.com

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