“I Was Saved by My EV”: Tata Curvv.ev Comes to Its Owner’s Rescue During Cyclone Arnab

A Tata Curvv.EV powered a home in Rajahmundry for 13 hours after Cyclone Arnab caused a prolonged electricity outage across the city.

The vehicle belongs to MSR Indar Raju, an experienced EV owner who regularly drives to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. According to Indar, the power supply failed at around 5 am. His household initially relied on its inverters, but their batteries were exhausted by the afternoon.

The owner shared a remark with us: “What I can say is that my entire city was in darkness yesterday without power,” Indar said. “Only the ones who have generators were safe from the darkness. I was saved by my EV.”

At 6 pm, Indar activated the Curvv.EV’s vehicle-to-load function with the battery at 56 percent. The car powered three ceiling fans and five tube lights until 7 am the following morning. After 13 hours, the battery stood at 43 percent. The overnight backup therefore consumed 13 percentage points of charge. Indar estimated the average power consumption at approximately 0.5 kWh per hour, which translates into around 6.5 kWh over the complete session.

Photos show the Curvv.EV’s V2L adaptor connected under a covered parking area. A screenshot from the vehicle’s charging history also records the battery at 56 percent shortly after 6 pm and its subsequent decline.

How V2L helped

Vehicle-to-load technology allows electricity stored in an EV’s battery to power compatible external appliances. Tata Motors rates the Curvv.ev’s V2L output at up to 3.3 kW. The car also lets its owner set a discharge limit, preserving sufficient charge for later travel. Despite powering the house overnight, Indar’s Curvv.ev retained 43 percent charge the next morning.

V2L is often promoted for camping and outdoor activities. Indar’s experience shows its value in an emergency, especially when a long power cut drains smaller household inverters. The feature does not replace the electricity grid. Nevertheless, it kept Indar’s home illuminated and ventilated through the night while much of Rajahmundry remained without power.

For Indar, V2L went from a specification-sheet feature to a genuine lifeline. “I was saved by my EV,” he said.

FAQ

How long did the Tata Curvv.ev power the house?

The Curvv.ev supplied electricity for 13 hours, from 6 pm until 7 am the following morning. This duration may vary from user to user based on the load connected

How much battery did the Curvv.ev use?

Its state of charge declined from 56 percent to 43 percent, consuming 13 percentage points, which is equivalent to 7.15 kWh (units)

Which appliances were powered?

The vehicle powered three ceiling fans and five tube lights, with an estimated combined consumption of approximately 0.5 kWh per hour. The car could have powered an AC and fridge as well

What is V2L in an electric vehicle?

Vehicle-to-load technology allows energy stored in an EV battery to power compatible external appliances and equipment.

What is the Tata Curvv.ev’s V2L output?

Tata Motors rates the Curvv.ev’s vehicle-to-load output at up to 3.3 kW.

Owner and image credit: MSR Indar Raju, Rajahmundry. Instagram: @indrarajumsr.