In times of emerÂgency or criÂsis, elecÂtric vehiÂcles (EVs) have proved to be valuÂable assets beyond transÂportaÂtion. These verÂsaÂtile vehiÂcles can serve as emerÂgency powÂer sources for buildÂings, offerÂing a lifeÂline durÂing blackÂouts, natÂurÂal disÂasÂters, or othÂer unforeÂseen events. LeverÂagÂing their high-capacÂiÂty batÂterÂies, EVs can proÂvide critÂiÂcal backÂup powÂer to keep essenÂtial buildÂing funcÂtions operÂaÂtional. This was the case for Phil Long Kia in ColÂorado Springs.
Our partÂners at the Phil Long DealÂerÂships were able to find innoÂvÂaÂtive soluÂtions in a time of adverÂsiÂty, after a fire took place in the parts departÂment of Phil Long Kia in ColÂorado Springs on the night of WednesÂday, July 26. The fire left the shop damÂaged and withÂout powÂer as the insurÂance comÂpaÂny had instructÂed to leave any facilÂiÂty powÂer off until the cause of the fire was deterÂmined. In the meanÂtime, dealÂerÂship staff set up shop in a tent outÂside, utiÂlizÂing the powÂer of the elecÂtric vehiÂcles in their invenÂtoÂry to stay open.
Peter BuckÂles, the dealÂerÂships GenÂerÂal ManÂagÂer, spoke with local news staÂtion KRDO, to shed light on their unique approach to mainÂtainÂing operÂaÂtions. BuckÂles explained, "We have a Kia EV Niro and a Kia EV6. Both of these vehiÂcles are litÂerÂalÂly powÂerÂing my store," he furÂther emphaÂsized the duraÂbilÂiÂty of EV batÂterÂies, notÂing, "We have not charged [the Kia EV Niro] since yesÂterÂday and we're still at 90 perÂcent." This revÂeÂlaÂtion not only speaks to the pracÂtiÂcalÂiÂty of EVs but also to their impresÂsive reliability.
The innoÂvaÂtion didn't stop at their EV invenÂtoÂry; Phil Long Kia found strength in colÂlabÂoÂraÂtion as well. Phil Long Ford of Motor City loaned two of their Ford F‑150 LightÂnings, and Phil Long’s EVOutÂlet proÂvidÂed access to chargÂing staÂtions, ensurÂing the EVs remained charged. With just the elecÂtric vehiÂcles and access to chargÂing down the street, the EVs have the capaÂbilÂiÂty to powÂer the dealÂerÂship for days. This supÂport ultiÂmateÂly elimÂiÂnatÂed the need for gas genÂerÂaÂtors, and the noise and emisÂsions that comes with them.
It is inspirÂing to think of this expeÂriÂence stretchÂing beyond dealership's walls and openÂing the eyes of othÂer busiÂnessÂes and indiÂvidÂuÂals alike. It speaks volÂumes about the adaptÂabilÂiÂty, verÂsaÂtilÂiÂty, and reliÂaÂbilÂiÂty of elecÂtric vehiÂcles, posiÂtionÂing them as a forÂmiÂdaÂble soluÂtion in chalÂlengÂing sitÂuÂaÂtions. While the elecÂtric vehiÂcles have been an invaluÂable powÂer soluÂtion for Phil Long Kia in the last few days, powÂer has since been restored to their shop.
Watch News Clip for more inforÂmaÂtion, here.