Turning vehicles into generators

Automakers and suppliers are scrambling to provide home-style ac electrical power in vehicles for work and convenience-as well as potential blackouts.

Consumers have long accepted the need for 12-V power adapters when using electric devices in vehicles, but that inconvenience is subsiding as carmakers add residential-type 110-V ac power outlets to new cars and trucks. California's power shortage a couple summers ago, along with this summer's blackout in the Northeast, should accelerate consumer interest in the potential of such vehicles to provide emergency backup power at home in the event of an outage. Suppliers are surveying market demand for ac power and have found strong interest.

“Fifty to sixty percent of consumers have a significant interest in bringing ac power into their vehicle,” said Aaron Tweadey, Product Planning Manager at Visteon. “Consumers want to bring the comfort of home to the road. There are a lot of things they can only run in the house. Consumers would like to take cell phones, laptops, and TVs in the car. When they go camping, they'd like to be able to plug in coffeemakers, hair dryers, and additional lighting. Demand is particularly strong in SUVs, MPVs, and trucks.”