What happens if the power goes out while you’re charging your car?

By simply looking around nowadays, we can clearly see that we live in a world increasingly focused on reducing the carbon footprint and combating climate change. Sustainable mobility has become one of the central pillars of this technological transformation. Electric mobility —thanks to the arrival of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles— is no longer a thing of the future, but a growing reality gaining ground over internal combustion vehicles.

As they do not emit carbon dioxide (CO₂) during use, these options significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a much cleaner and healthier environment. However, this transition has also started to raise new questions that we didn’t consider a few years ago.

One of these questions gained particular relevance after the nationwide power outage on April 28, which left thousands of people without electricity for several hours. In this new energy paradigm, many have begun to wonder: “What happens if the power goes out while I’m charging my electric car?”, “Is the battery at risk?”, “What should I do if it happens again?” In this article, we aim to answer all these common concerns so you’ll know how to react in a similar situation.

What happens if there’s a power outage while charging your electric car?

One of the most common concerns among drivers who have chosen electric mobility is the fear that a power cut could damage the car’s battery or interfere with its proper functioning. This concern becomes even more relevant when we consider that power surges may occur when electricity is restored. As is widely known, this can damage anything from home appliances to sensitive electronic devices if they’re connected to the grid at that moment.

This fear is not unfounded. In fact, when it comes to conventional electrical devices in the home, it’s usually recommended to switch off the main circuit breaker to prevent damage caused by sudden voltage spikes. However, most electric vehicle chargers include built-in protection systems.

This means that, in the event of a blackout, electric car chargers automatically and safely interrupt the charging process, preventing any damage to the vehicle’s battery. These devices are specifically designed to handle such situations without compromising the integrity of the charging system or the car battery.

Can a power outage damage the car battery?

As we’ve already mentioned, electric car chargers automatically stop the charging process when they detect a power outage, helping to prevent any damage to the battery. In other words, the outage itself doesn’t pose a risk to your electric car — as long as it’s connected to a charger that complies with current safety standards.

However, the most delicate moment is undoubtedly when the power is restored. That’s when voltage spikes can occur and potentially affect connected devices. To protect the battery from these possible surges, some chargers incorporate advanced technologies that enhance charging safety.

A good example is the WOLTIO PRO charger, which features an automatic reset system. This advanced functionality allows the charger to detect when power is restored and resume charging without user intervention. This protects the battery from voltage fluctuations and ensures a safe, efficient, and continuous charge once electricity is available again.

Moreover, this type of charger is especially useful in areas prone to frequent micro-outages or unstable electrical grids. That’s why we can say they offer greater reliability in both home and professional installations.

What to do if you can’t recharge your electric vehicle?

If another outage like the one on April 28 were to happen again, there are several solutions you could consider to charge your vehicle. Although none are perfect, they can help you get by. One option is to look for public charging stations powered by autonomous energy systems, such as photovoltaic solar panels or emergency generators. These facilities often have battery storage systems that allow them to continue operating even during a blackout.

You can also consider installing a home generator. While not designed for continuous charging, they can provide enough power for a few hours, allowing a partial recharge to keep you going. Similarly, external batteries with current inverters can serve as a temporary solution.

The most robust and sustainable option is photovoltaic self-consumption systems, especially those equipped with isolation mechanisms for general outages. It’s important to note that most home solar panels are connected to the power grid, which means they also shut off during a blackout for safety reasons. That’s why an ideal solution is to install a system with battery storage and automatic disconnection, which allows you to maintain energy autonomy and continue charging your vehicle even when the main grid is down.

Lastly, although slower, portable emergency chargers can be connected to auxiliary power sources. These devices provide a basic backup option for more extreme situations when no other charging solution is available.

Measures for charging an electric car during a blackout

The best way to prepare for a potential outage is to have a charger designed to handle such scenarios. In this regard, the choice of manufacturer is crucial. Investing in high-quality devices with recognized guarantees, such as those offered by WOLTIO, provides long-term safety and peace of mind.

As we’ve pointed out, models like the WOLTIO PRO include internal protections and automatic reset, allowing them to avoid damage during a blackout and resume charging automatically once the power is back. These features can make a significant difference when aiming for a smart charging experience that fits today’s needs.

It’s also advisable to combine these chargers with energy self-consumption solutions, such as solar panel systems with battery storage. This not only helps reduce your home’s dependence on the grid but also actively contributes to a more sustainable energy model.

Furthermore, managing your charging point from your smartphone through dedicated apps, like the WOLTIO App, can help you remotely monitor the charging process and detect any issues in real time — giving you more control, convenience, and peace of mind.