Our utility company recently brought our substation offline for emergency maintenance on a Friday night, leaving me with a low battery on my phone. With no power in sight, I turned to our 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV for help. Despite concerns about the environmental impact, I used the car to charge my phone, essentially turning it into a massive battery pack. The warm weather allowed me to keep the climate control off, ensuring I could charge my phone without the gasoline engine kicking in.
While PHEVs like the Mazda are great when plugged in, they lose their appeal when running solely on gas. Thankfully, having a level 2 charging setup at home makes it easy to keep the car charged and ready to go. With a quick charge time of under 2½ hours, it’s possible to get all 26 miles of electric range even during short errands. However, the PHEV’s hefty weight means the electric motor won’t provide any thrilling acceleration.
In the end, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV proved to be a reliable source of power in a pinch, showcasing the benefits of owning an electric vehicle. With a bit of planning and the right setup, it’s possible to go about daily routines without ever needing to rely on gasoline. While the idea of using a car to charge a phone may seem unusual, in times of need, it can be a lifesaver.