May 2026
This report explores how PV-equipped vehicles can support evacuation centres, communication systems and other critical services when conventional infrastructure is disrupted. Unlike stationary systems, SEVs can autonomously generate electricity, relocate to areas with higher solar irradiance and transport energy directly to affected communities.
Using Monte Carlo–based modelling, the report assesses resilience under uncertain conditions, including weather variability, infrastructure damage and human behaviour. The analysis demonstrates that voluntary energy sharing from SEV owners can significantly improve the ability of communities to maintain essential services during extended outages.
“VIPV and SEVs combine mobility, energy generation and storage in a single system, offering a new approach to distributed disaster resilience.” (Kenji Araki, lead author of the report)
Key findings
· SEVs can enhance disaster energy resilience by providing decentralized, flexible power support.
· Voluntary energy sharing can help sustain essential services during prolonged outages.
· Monte Carlo–based modelling helps policymakers assess resilience under uncertainty by capturing variability in weather, infrastructure damage and human behaviour, rather than relying on average-case assumptions.
Supporting resilient energy systems
The report highlights the role of VIPV and SEVs as complementary technologies within broader resilience strategies alongside stationary PV systems, portable solar generators and conventional backup solutions. By combining electricity generation, storage and transportation in a single asset, SEVs can provide adaptable emergency energy support in regions vulnerable to earthquakes, typhoons and grid disruptions.
