Some EVs can send power out of the battery. That can run tools, camping gear and, with the right equipment, part of a home.
In this article
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L)
- Vehicle-to-home (V2H)
- Limits
Vehicle-to-load (V2L)
An outlet on the car supplies a few kilowatts to appliances. It works well for camping, tools and emergencies.
| Mode | Typical power | Use |
|---|---|---|
| V2L | 1.8 to 3.6 kW | Tools, camping |
| V2H | Up to 10 kW | Backup power |
| V2G | Varies | Selling power to the grid |
| Plug adapter | Depends | Check the car |
Figures are typical ranges and vary by car, climate and driving style.
Vehicle-to-home (V2H)
Needs a compatible home system and an electrician to install. It can keep key circuits running during an outage.
A big battery is also a big power bank.
Limits
Using the battery for the house reduces range. Not all cars support it, and warranties may have conditions.
Worth doing
- Check if your car supports it
- Ask an electrician about home setup
- Understand warranty terms
- Know how long the battery can run your home
Practical tip
A typical home uses about 30 kWh a day. A 75 kWh battery could power essentials for a few days.
Bottom line
Useful in outages and outdoors. Check your car’s specific support.
Specifications, prices and rules change. Confirm current details with the manufacturer or the relevant authority before you buy or repair.
