Atle Dale knows what prolonged power outages mean. At the latest in 2011, the power was out for several days after the hurricane “Dagmar”. But after he got himself an electric car with a power outlet, he is no longer so worried. When the power went out just before Christmas, he also lost the water in the tap. The well is powered by a pump. But then the electric car was the solution. – The electric car has turned out to be more practical than I thought, laughs Dale. It was elbil.no that told the story to Atle Dale. Used the electric car as a water pump All electric cars have a large storage capacity for electricity. Dale always makes sure to have a fully charged car in case there is a storm in sight. When the current went, he was quickly out with his skating leads. With the help of the car, he got power for the internet, TV, and the pump that draws water from the well at home in Balestrand by the Sognefjord. – It happens here that we lack electricity, says Dale. – I connected the water pump in the well to the car. Then I started the water, and then I had water. I can connect to the most important thing. It was a little difficult, he can’t connect the car to the fuse box. – A cable reel goes a long way. It took less than five minutes, says Dale with a smile. The car has a battery pack of 74 KWh in total and can produce an output of 3.6 kilowatts. Dale says he uses 15-20 KWh in total in one day. Very satisfied with having electricity. Photo: Monica Bondevik Dale – Very exciting for the future The network company Lnett is among those following the development. Among other things in collaboration with Sintef in a research project. Research is also being carried out elsewhere in Europe, according to Lars Andre Kalve, who is director of online strategy. – What we have mainly looked at is how the battery can be used to smooth out power peaks in the network, says Kalve. Whether the electric car really becomes an important resource during power outages is probably a bit in the future, he says. – It is very exciting for the future, we follow it with excitement, and think it is very interesting, says Kalve. Both car and chargers must be arranged to be able to supply power back to the home. Such work must be done by an approved installer, says Kalve. Lars Andre Kalve, director of online strategy at Lnett. Photo: Hanne Høyland / news Kalve doesn’t think we can base our preparedness on electric cars anyway. – The battery must of course be charged. For short power cuts, the electric car can have a supporting function, but we must adhere to the governing authorities’ advice on preparedness first and foremost, says Kalve. The idea is that the car can supply the house with electricity when prices are at their peak, or the load on the grid is extra high. – We do not know what incentive schemes will come in the future. It is not certain that this is hugely profitable today, but things change, says Kalve. – Practical, but a little less cozy Dale also enjoys the electric car when he is at the cabin. He can park nearby and get electricity if needed. – But it’s most cozy with candles, he insists. In the past, petrol generators were the solution, but using the car is both easier, more stable and less difficult, Dale believes. – Absolutely, I have a lighter machine unit, but it drags more, is heavy to move and makes noise. Now I’m actually saved. I think this can spread more, predicts Dale.
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Electric cars can protect people when the power goes out – news Vestland
