Portable Battery Solutions By EV Makers Can Power Homes During Hurricanes [Video]

Portable power banks can provide electricity to homes and cars in the event of an emergency where there is a loss of power from traditional sources. Electric vehicle makers are now selling these power solutions, which pair with battery-electric cars, trucks and SUVs to create a vehicle-to-home charging ecosystem.

General Motors Energy, GM’s wholly owned subsidiary, has expanded its presence in the home energy storage business with its new PowerBank. The lithium-ion battery comes in 10.6- and 17.7-kWh options, which can either power a home during an emergency or to offset higher electricity rates during peak demand. GM says that by combining two 17.7-kWh batteries the average American home can be powered for up to 20 hours.

The system can be purchased as part of the GM Energy Home System bundle, which also includes a GM Energy PowerShift charger and GM Energy Vehicle-to-Home Enablement kit. Buyers who already have the …