EVs powering homes during blackouts

A screen on an F-150 Lightning owned by the Reigards shows the power transference between the truck (right) and their house in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. — ©2023 The New York Times Company

IN early March, strong winds brought down trees and power lines in the Nashville area, leaving thousands of homes without power. But about 30km outside the city an electric pickup truck fed energy to John and Rachelle Reigard’s home, keeping their lights on.

“You can look at all the houses around us, and they’re all off,” said John Reigard, who bought the pickup, a Ford F-150 Lightning, more than a year ago. “A lot of people ask the question: ‘How do you have power?’”