Are you considering making the switch to an electric vehicle in the future? Like many drivers, the switch to electricity has promising benefits. One of the significant drawbacks is charging during unsatisfactory conditions, such as inclement weather and power outages. So, how do you charge a Tesla during a power outage?

Can you charge a Tesla during a power outage?

Charging a Tesla might seem like a daunting task at first, but most owners get used to it quickly. Tesla offers many options for charging, such as supercharging stations, home charging, and destination chargers at popular locations. However, one such situation that has presented itself recently is the question of charging without power. How do Tesla electric vehicle owners charge in the case of a power outage?

In states like California, where electricity is generally the most expensive in the country, planned power shutoffs are a way of life. When the grid gets overloaded, power companies will shut down electricity to give the system a break. In the past, Tesla has sent out push notifications urging owners to charge vehicles ahead of time. Tesla also suggests putting the electric vehicle into Range Mode to optimize energy usage and maximize range.

Can the Tesla Powerwall charge a Tesla in an outage?

Tesla offers a product called the Tesla Powerwall to assist with this issue. The company notes that the Powerwall coordinates with personal vehicles for “enhanced vehicle charging during a power outage without exceeding the energy and power capabilities of your Powerwall.” The Powerwall is primarily used in conjunction with Tesla solar panels but can work in a pinch.

In the article above from Clean Technica, two Tesla Powerwalls and Tesla Solar powered one family through a scheduled eight-hour outage. Of course, being able to prepare in advance for an outage has benefits. The Powerwalls seamlessly switched on when the power went out.

In the case of an outage, the Powerwall can charge both your electric vehicle and support your home’s needs for a certain amount of time. This won’t work over an extended period of time but could get you through a blackout or a storm while the grid recovers. It seems like Elon Musk is aware of such power outage issues and could be working on a universal solution behind the scenes.

Do Tesla solar panels work during power outage?

Additionally, most Tesla Supercharging stations have been equipped with Tesla Powerpacks. These Powerpacks, plus Tesla Solar, have equipped Supercharging stations with the ability to charge during power outages. Tesla Solar can also produce electricity during daytime power outages. In the case of the Powerpack, Tesla Solar can provide power for around 12 hours during an outage.

As the U.S. continues to strengthen the electric vehicle charging network, these options can help in the meantime. While these options might be costly and further intertwine your life with Tesla products, these are excellent options to keep your electric vehicle running during an outage. The ability to charge a Tesla while the rest of the street is out of power might also allow you to assist in an emergency.

In conclusion, owners can charge a Tesla in a few ways in the face of a power outage. Having a Tesla Powerwall or Solar panels at home can alleviate the issue. If that isn’t an option, the ability to charge at a Tesla Supercharging station is another option to keep your vehicle on the road.