Before delving into the details, let's consider the common skepticism surrounding electric vehicles. Many, like us at Car Throttle, have our reservations. For instance, the lack of home charging facilities often leads us to rely on the often chaotic public charging network in the UK. On a personal level, the mass-mining of cobalt for their batteries seems like a facade for first-world cleansing while ignoring global emissions. And let's not forget, electric vehicles can often be heavyweight blobs. But that's not to say they don't have their merits.

Why the Petrol-Powered GV70 Choice

When offered a Genesis GV70 for six months, the decision to take the petrol-powered version was a practical one. Despite the 26mpg it's been getting since delivery, it provided a familiar driving experience. However, the manufacturer saw an opportunity to introduce us to an often-overlooked aspect of their electric cars - vehicle-to-load tech.

The Exmoor Adventure

We were invited to a field in the middle of nowhere - literally in Exmoor. Arriving, we were greeted by a sea of darkness. But then, a set of lovely lights revealed a cosy camp. The power for this came from a pre-hooked-up car - our 'my' GV60. It was used to power the lamps around us and a few other appliances like a coffee machine and heated camping seats. While it might seem like overkill with an extension cable, it was a cool demonstration. Unfortunately, due to the fog, we couldn't spot the stars as clearly as we had hoped.

Vehicle-to-Load Tech in Action

Vehicle-to-load tech effectively turns the car's battery into a big power generator. It's handy for emergencies or adding some extra comfort during a camping trip. All it takes is an adapter (the Genesis one costs £880, but we can expect prices to come down with time). With enough charge, we can power up a camping trip without the need for extra equipment or incurring additional costs. And it only knocks off about half a mile of range from the car.

The Importance of Backup Power

It's reassuring to know that in case we're all forced to drive appliances, we'll have the option to head out to remote areas with friends and easily power our camping trips. This provides a usable backup source of power in emergencies. And it's not just about camping; in various situations, this technology could be a lifesaver.Oh, and that EV charger did work as promised. It gives us some hope in an otherwise challenging charging landscape. But for now, our petrol GV70 still holds a special place in our hearts.