Charging Forward: The Power of EVs and Renewables in the Wake of Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene has been one of the most devastating storms to hit the United States in recent history, leaving over 200 dead and hundreds more missing. Stretching across six states, the damage has been catastrophic, and the relief effort is complicated by the widespread destruction of infrastructure. Estimates predict damages will soar into the hundreds of billions, making this hurricane one of the most expensive natural disasters in U.S. history.
Yet, amid the wreckage, there’s a hopeful and inspiring narrative beginning to emerge—a story centered on the resilience of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs). As the hurricane disrupted power grids and rendered much of the traditional infrastructure useless, renewable energy systems and EVs stepped in to provide critical support. This moment offers a crucial lesson in how clean energy can aid recovery efforts in the face of natural disasters.
A New Kind of Lifeline: Electric Vehicles to the Rescue.
Ford Lightning EV.
As Helene left millions without electricity, many turned to EVs like Ford’s F-150 Lightning and Rivian’s R1T for emergency power. These electric trucks, with their ability to serve as mobile power stations, became lifesavers for those cut off from the grid. For example, Dustin Baker in Charlotte, North Carolina used his Ford Lightning to power essential appliances in his home, such as his refrigerator and freezer. But his truck didn’t just help his household—he was able to extend power to his neighbor as well.
Rivian R1T was carried over 100 feet by the force of the flood, yet it remained operational.
Electric vehicles are more than just transportation—they are massive batteries on wheels, offering a game-changing advantage in emergency preparedness. When the grid fails, vehicles like the Ford Lightning can power essential home appliances or medical equipment for days, or even the entire home for three to ten days, depending on energy use. This feature, known as bidirectional charging, allows EVs to send energy back to the grid, home, or even other vehicles, transforming the way we think about energy resilience and preparedness going forward.
In a particularly astonishing example, a Rivian R1T, designed for rugged off-road use, was swept away by floodwaters in Asheville, NC during Hurricane Helene. The vehicle was carried over 100 feet by the force of the flood, yet it remained operational. This is a testament to the water-sealed battery packs and advanced isolation monitoring systems in the vehicle—technology that makes EVs more resilient in conditions that would destroy most gas-powered cars.
Beyond individual homes, these electric vehicles have supported essential services. An equine vet clinic in Alachua County, Florida that lost power during the storm used a Ford Lightning to keep medicines refrigerated and continue treating patients, while Rivian trucks helped first responders navigate through the debris to reach isolated communities. The ability of these vehicles to provide power and mobility in the most extreme conditions has proven their value far beyond transportation.
Smaller scale residential battery storage (power wall) tied to solar.
Renewables Powering Recovery.
While EVs showed their worth during the storm, renewable energy systems also played a key role in aiding recovery. Solar panels paired with home battery storage systems kept many homes powered throughout the storm. In rural areas, where access to fuel and electricity was limited, renewable energy allowed families to maintain power without relying on gasoline or diesel generators. These systems, integrated into everyday life, demonstrated that renewable energy isn’t just about reducing carbon emissions—it’s about resilience and survival in the face of disasters.
Families in hard-hit areas throughout the impacted region used home battery systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall, to store solar energy, providing electricity for essential needs even as the grid remained down. These renewable systems provided a lifeline to those who would otherwise have been stranded without power. They highlight the critical importance of energy independence and clean energy solutions, particularly as the frequency and intensity of storms increase due to climate change.
Solar farms across both rural and urban areas offer a critical solution by providing stored power during grid outages, ensuring communities maintain access to energy when they need it most.
The Tesla Fire Issue.
However, not all EV stories in the wake of Hurricane Helene were positive. A Tesla in Florida caught fire after being submerged in saltwater, highlighting a particular vulnerability in certain EV designs. Saltwater and lithium-ion batteries can be a dangerous combination, as the salt accelerates corrosion and can create shorts in the electrical system, potentially leading to fires.
This issue has garnered significant media attention, but it’s important to keep it in perspective. While one Tesla caught fire, thousands remained safe and operational. Moreover, manufacturers like Tesla are learning from these incidents and working on ways to enhance the water resilience of their vehicles. The contrast between Teslas and Rivians, which performed impressively even after being submerged, serves as a lesson for the entire EV industry to continue improving designs for extreme conditions.
Solid-state batteries, long hailed as the next big leap in energy storage, are finally moving from the lab to real-world use and will debut in China next year. These batteries bring game-changing benefits: higher energy density, faster charging, and enhanced safety thanks to their fire-resistant solid electrolytes. In disaster relief scenarios, solid-state batteries could revolutionize backup power systems, providing more reliable and longer-lasting energy, especially for EVs and renewable energy storage. This technology promises to be a true powerhouse in future emergency responses!
The takeaway is clear: EVs and renewables are rapidly evolving with incredible potential. Sure, incidents like the handful of Tesla fires raise eyebrows, but they’re part of the growing pains on the road to a cleaner, safer future—and honestly, still significantly less risky than gas cars. With breakthroughs like solid-state batteries offering greater safety and reliability on the horizon, we’re on the verge of something major. Hurricane Helene showed us the power of EVs and renewables in real-time, and these lessons will drive innovation, making our infrastructure more sustainable and disaster-ready.
Helene’s Lesson: Clean Energy Drives Disaster Resilience.
Hurricane Helene may have left a wake of destruction, but it also delivered a powerful wake-up call: clean energy and electric vehicles are game-changers in times of crisis. They’re not just about fighting climate change—they’re proving essential in disaster recovery. The storm showed that by investing in cutting-edge technology like EVs and renewables, we can power through the toughest challenges. These aren’t just future-proof solutions; they’re lifesaving tools for today. Helene’s lesson is clear: renewable energy isn’t just about protecting the planet—it’s about securing our future and making sure we’re ready for whatever comes next.
Want to learn more about the effectiveness of renewable energy, electric cars and what’s on the horizon? Check out these articles:
Rivian R1T gets dragged 100 feet after Hurricane Helene and still runs
Solid-state batteries are finally making their way out of the lab
Faster Charging and Increased Range? Solid State Batteries for EVs Explained
Help Support the Communities Devastated by Hurricane Helene.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left many struggling to rebuild their lives. You can make a difference and help those affected by lending a hand in various ways.
5 Ways to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts:
Donate to disaster relief organizations like the Red Cross or local charities.
Volunteer with cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
Provide supplies such as non-perishable food, water, and hygiene products through a local food bank.
Offer temporary housing through local programs.
Spread awareness and encourage others to contribute.
Together, we can help communities recover stronger!
About Margaret-Ann Leavitt
Margaret-Ann Leavitt leads marketing and communications for National Car Charging and Aloha Charge. A passionate leader with a proven track record of success, Margaret-Ann excels in providing strategic guidance, driving growth, and delivering targeted results for emerging brands. Her impressive career includes positions at Mattel, WATTMORE, FCB Global, and the Sterling-Rice Group.
She holds a B.A. in Economics with a minor in Women’s Studies from Colgate University and an M.F.A. in Film Production from the University of Miami. A longtime advocate for sustainability, Margaret-Ann has been a proponent of electric vehicles for nearly a decade.
In her free time, she serves as the board chair of the Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS Denver). Originally from the East Coast, Margaret-Ann now resides in Denver, Colorado with her family, driving a 100% fossil fuel-free.
For more articles from Margaret-Ann, visit the National Car Charging blog.