As electric vehicles (EVs) take over the roads over time, the topic of charging them under different circumstances is starting to get some light. Dedicated EV charging stations are the way to go, but what do you do if you’re in a rural area with no charging stations nearby or if there’s a power outage? Can I charge an electric vehicle with a generator or backup battery? However, both implementations have some very practical limitations and caveats associated with them. This article discusses the functioning of generators and backup batteries for EV charging, how practical they are, and what situations they might be required in.
Understanding Your EV Charging Needs
Before exploring if a generator or backup battery can charge an EV, we need to cover the basics of what it takes to charge an electric vehicle. If you are wondering how many watts to run an EV car, EVs generally need masses of power to be charged, and the power needs to be supplied at the right voltage and amperage.
There are three primary levels of EV charging:
- Level 1 Charging: We’re talking about a typical, 120V AC outlet, the kind you’d stumble onto in most homes. This method of charging is the slowest, with a full charge in 12 to 24 hours, depending on the vehicle.
- Level 2 Charging: This needs a 240V AC outlet, commonly installed in homes with EV charging machines or located at public charging terminals. It also recharges much quicker, taking 4 to 8 hours depending on the battery size.
- Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging) — The quickest option, utilizing specialized chargers that deliver direct current (DC) at increased power. While it can recharge an EV to 80% in about 30 minutes, it requires special infrastructure, and so is not available for home use.
In the case of EV charging, where a significant amount of electric energy must be drawn, whether a generator or backup battery is a feasible alternative comes down to their capabilities to output enough power for a decent amount of time.
Charging an electric vehicle with a generator
First off, yes, you can theoretically use a generator to charge an electric car, but there is a lot to consider. Generators run on gasoline, diesel or hydrogen, which may seem counterproductive for an environmentally aware EV driver, but in a crisis, it can be a necessary option.
Can a Generator Charge an EV?
Yes, but not every generator is equal to the task. That requires a generator capable of generating sufficient power, and 240V in a 50 amp configuration is the optimal way to run it, as this is the Level 2 voltage and amperage required to deliver the minimum power needed for effective charging. Most home generators produce at 120V, not nearly enough for EVs unless you plan on waiting a very long time.
And the generator’s wattage capacity has to be sufficient. For instance, most home generators range from 3,000 to 8,000 watts, but charging an EV at Level 2 takes a minimum of 7,200 watts. Generators that are less than this will only be able to charge the car very slowly, or not at all.
size of the generator and power output
In general, you’ll want bigger inverter generators that produce a steady and clean power output of around 7,500 watts or more, suitable for EV charging. Such units can be expensive and bulky, but they are essential to deliver sufficient power for significant charging.
Challenges and Limitations
One of the biggest hurdles for a generator is the length of time it takes to charge. Even with a generator with high output, it would take a while to generate enough charge to drive a meaningful distance as charging. The generator is most useful for giving us a partial charge to reach the next dedicated charging station.
Also, generators run on fossil fuels, something that may not sit well with the green credentials of many EV owners. But in an emergency, the ability to charge your car may well outweigh these concerns.
Using a Backup Battery to Charge an EV
A backup battery, also known as a power bank for electric vehicles, is another possible course of action. These batteries are usually portable devices or part of a larger home energy storage solution such as the Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem RESU.
Is It Possible to Charge an EV Using a Backup Battery?
It sure can, but it depends on the capacity of the battery. Most portable power stations are used to keep small appliances going during emergencies. They may not contain enough energy to charge an EV, let alone charge it completely. But they can be enough to get the vehicle moving and to a near station.
Types of Backup Batteries
Generally speaking, there are two types of backup batteries that can potentially be used as EV chargers:
- Portable Power Stations — Portable power stations are compact units that can offer temporary power. Most portable power stations have limited capacity (1 to 2 kWh), meaning they can only charge an EV enough to provide a few miles of driving range.
- Home Energy Storage Systems: These are big backup batteries such as the Tesla Powerwall that store energy from solar panels or the grid. These systems have much larger capacities (around 13 to 15 kWh is typical), which can deliver partial charge to an EV.
Charging Power and Time
The average EV battery holds between 40 and 100 kWh, and one battery backup, the Tesla Powerwall, holds about 13.5 kWh. This would only charge an EV by around 10-30% with a single Powerwall, depending on the battery size of the vehicle. It’s enough to deliver a little more range, but not enough for a full charge.
Portable power stations are great, but they rarely have enough storage for meaningful charging. They could provide the vehicle with the energy to get a few more miles but would not be a solution for the long term.
So when would you need a generator or backup battery?
Charging an EV with a generator or backup battery is not the ideal way of going about things, but in certain scenarios, these are the solutions you’ll need.
- If all else fails: In case of an emergency, such as a power outage or when you are off the grid, a generator or alternative power source may give you enough juice to get you to the closest station.
- Long-distance travel in remote areas: If you’re driving in areas that have limited charging stations, a portable generator or backup battery can extend your driving range during emergencies.
- Power outages: Charging a Tesla during a blackout can be an excellent way to have emergency transportation during a power shutdown, especially for those who have home energy storage systems like the Tesla Powerwall.
Safety Considerations
Safety is a major consideration when topping up an EV with a generator or backup battery. Here are some crucial tips:
- Overloading: Ensure that the generator or backup battery can handle the EV’s power demands. If you overload the power source, you can damage the generator and/or the car.
- Ventilation: Gas-powered generator must always operate in a well-ventilated area to avoid suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Compatibility: Generators and backup batteries aren’t compatible with all EV models. Before attempting to charge, check your vehicle’s charging requirements and the power output of the generator or battery.
Conclusion
Of course you can charge an electric vehicle with a generator/backup battery, but that doesn’t come without its challenges. A generator can be used as a temporary solution in case of emergency anywhere, but it needs to be powerful enough to feed all systems in the house. While backup batteries can provide partial charging, especially larger systems, like the Tesla Powerwall, they are not intended for full vehicle charging.
For most battery owners, dedicated charging stations are the best approach generally. And in an emergency, they can provide peace of mind when out on the road and without a way to charge to keep driving. Avoid getting stuck with a dead battery by familiarizing yourself with the limitations of these charging methods and planning properly.
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