Can You Extend An EV's Range With Portable Battery Banks? This Guy Is Trying It.

A Swedish YouTuber has put a novel idea to the test: can you extend an electric vehicle’s range using portable battery banks? In a recent experiment, he connected multiple power banks to his electric car and drove until the batteries ran dry. The result was a modest but measurable boost in range, proving the concept works on a small scale.

The test involved a standard EV and a collection of high-capacity power banks typically used for charging laptops or phones. After wiring them together and linking them to the car’s charging port, the YouTuber managed to add a few extra kilometers before the auxiliary power was depleted. While not practical for daily use, the experiment shows that range extension doesn’t always require a massive stationary charger.

For Saudi buyers, the idea is intriguing but far from ready for the road. The Kingdom’s EV market is growing, with models like the Tesla Model 3 and the Lucid Air competing for attention alongside upcoming Chinese and European entrants. Range anxiety remains a top concern, especially on long desert highways between cities. Portable battery banks could theoretically offer a safety net, but current technology limits their capacity and safety.

Shoppers should watch for more practical solutions emerging instead. Automakers are focusing on faster charging networks and solid-state batteries, which promise longer range without external gadgets. The DIY approach is a fun proof of concept, but for now, sticking with a car that suits your daily driving needs and has access to Saudi Arabia’s expanding charging infrastructure is the smarter bet.