How can I prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event?

How can I prepare my electric vehicle for a PSPS event?

Here are three ways electric vehicle drivers can prepare for forecasted power outages: 

1. Stay charged leading up to forecasted power outages so you’re ready. 
2. Some vehicles allow you to shift the maximum charge limit. If your vehicle allows for this, increase your charge limit to maximize your battery’s capacity before and around forecasted power outages. 
3. In the future, consider investing in a backup generator or in solar panels and a battery system to store solar energy.

How would a PSPS event affect my electric vehicle?

In most cases, charging your electric vehicle at home will not be available during an outage because there will be no electric power source to pull from. However, public charging stations may still be available. Go here to find additional public charging resources. 

What is my maximum charge limit and how can I change it?

Under normal circumstances it's best to keep your battery level between 20-80% for battery longevity. But in preparation for rare power outages, increasing the maximum charge limit beyond 80% will increase your available mileage before needing another charge. In some cars, you can increase the maximum charging limit from your EV’s on-board console, mobile application, or in your EV charger.

If I get a PSPS event notification from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) or additional messaging from evPulse, is it a certainty that I will lose power at home? 

No, PG&E frequently reassesses which customers will be impacted by a PSPS event. If there is a chance you will be impacted about 24 hours before the start of an event, evPulse will send you an SMS message to remind you to charge your vehicle. PG&E could still remove you from the event after this point, but we want to make sure you have an opportunity to prepare ahead of time. 

Go here to learn more about PG&E’s PSPS notification process. 

For the latest information on a potential PSPS event, refer to your notifications from PG&E, where real-time updates will be provided through your preferred contact method with PG&E. You can also visit pge.com/outages to view current outages and restoration times.