Kristy Holmes, a mother from Australia, found a clever solution to power her son's dialysis machine when a massive storm caused a power failure in southeast Queensland on Christmas Day. This incident highlights the life-saving potential of electric vehicles (EVs) during emergencies.
Facing a dire situation with her 11-year-old son Levi, who is waiting for a kidney transplant, Kristy Holmes turned to her electric car, the Atto 3, made by Chinese EV company BYD. The car's "vehicle to load" feature, which allows it to use extra energy from its battery to power household appliances, played an important role in keeping Levi's dialysis machine running, preventing potentially life-threatening results.
In an interview with The Guardian, Kristy Holmes expressed her appreciation, stating, "We powered the dialysis machine using the car. We only needed it for one night. We could have used it for at least four nights before needing to charge the car." Highlighting the significant role the car played, she remarked, "It's the most incredible car I've ever owned. After it saved my son during a storm, in no circumstance will I go back to a petrol car."
The function of the Atto 3 extends beyond emergency situations; the Holmes family also used its charging capabilities for more leisurely activities, such as warming red wine for a movie night. This illustrates the diverse applications of electric vehicles, transcending their role as eco-friendly transportation to become indispensable power sources for various everyday situations.
Kristy Holmes' firsthand experience in Australia mirrors a broader pattern witnessed during the aftermath of Hurricane Ian on the Florida coast in 2022. Ford reported a notable 127% increase in the use of their F-150 Lightning electric pickups as mobile power generators. In hurricane-affected regions, electric trucks emerged as vital resources for cooking meals and illuminating households, stressing the practical significance of EVs in disaster-stricken areas.