Owning an electric vehicle with V2L functionality represents the initial phase in harnessing energy to supply a household.

Over the past several years, electric cars have made significant progress, with improved ranges, enhanced technologies, and more sophisticated functionalities that depend on their sizable battery arrays.

Vehicle-to-load or vehicle-to-grid
(V2L or V2G—we’ll primarily use V2L in this article), sometimes called bi-directional charging, allows EVs to offload some of their electrical energy to power external devices, charge other vehicles, or even power a home after a natural disaster and power outage.

Several new models present this capability with varying brand names, yet the core idea remains consistent: Connect your electric vehicle to a household electrical outlet to run essential appliances like fridges. The process can differ somewhat among car manufacturers and specific vehicle types. This guide aims to provide a broad understanding and highlight key points for maximizing your electric vehicle’s utility in such scenarios.

More On V2H, V2L

• Bidirectional Charging for Electric Vehicles: Understanding V2G, V2H, and V2L

What is Bi-Directional Charging

Although every electric vehicle obtains energy from a charger to fuel its battery and motor, certain models have the capability to reverse this process. With appropriate features installed, such vehicles can utilize their accumulated electrical power to recharge other electric cars, operate exterior devices like a circular saw at a building site, or supply electricity to a house when there’s an interruption in regular service.

Equipping your electric vehicle (EV) with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capabilities marks the initial phase in supplying energy to residential settings. To harness this feature effectively, you’ll require either a specialized home charging station capable of drawing electrical power or a means to link the car directly to your dwelling. Although these advanced chargers aren’t widely distributed just yet, several firms are pioneering innovative solutions designed to maximize the benefits of owning such vehicles. Furthermore, securing approval from your utility company to avoid excessive demand charges is essential. It’s advisable as well to leverage compatible applications and programs to oversee the distribution of electricity back into the grid and capitalize on potential financial incentives like discounts or refunds where applicable.

How to Utilize V2L or Two-Way Charging

Each car manufacturer and model varies, yet several general procedures apply to all, which everybody ought to know about.

Choose either V2L or Bidirectional Charging.

Based on your car model, you might need to choose the bi-directional option within the infotainment system or settings menu. Numerous vehicles provide an option to specify a minimum discharge level so as not to let the electric vehicle’s battery deplete excessively.

Connect the Cable

Kia, Hyundai, and other brands provide an adapter that allows for their V2L feature. To harness power from your car, you must attach the adapter along with a cable to the vehicle’s charging port prior to linking it to the household setup. Make sure to follow the instructions provided in your car’s infotainment system or owner’s manual to correctly configure the cable and connections.

Monitor the Energy Usage

After connecting your vehicle and setting up the tech interface for charging an external device or your home, utilize the automaker’s application or on-screen details to check the energy output and charging rates.

Look for Mistakes and Problems

The in-cabin technology of your vehicle should show any error messages or issues connected with the V2L feature. Should you observe that it has stopped supplying power or encounters an error, address the problem promptly before trying to use V2L again.

More On V2H

• General Motors’ $7,300 Vehicle-to-Home Package Could Supply Your Home with Electricity for Nearly a Month
• See How Ford F-150 Lightning’s Smart Backup Power System Functions at My Residence

Which EVs Offer V2L?

Although it may appear as a futuristic concept, numerous electric vehicles currently available include V2L capability from the factory. Here’s a partial list of these models equipped with bi-directional charging features.

Nissan Leaf

Nissan has teamed up with Formata Energy to provide V2L capability on Leaf models from the 2013 onwards. Keep in mind that this function necessitates the use of a Formata Energy charging unit.

Ford F-150 Lightning

Before unveiling the Lightning EV, Ford began providing a generator function for the hybrid PowerBoost F-150 models, and this capability was continued in their electric truck.

Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia

The South Korean group provides multiple models featuring bidirectional capabilities, such as the Kia EV6, EV9, and Niro EV, the Genesis GV60 and Electrified G80/GV70, along with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Although it is a plug-in hybrid rather than a fully electric vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe provides V2L capability through the use of the Mopar Power Box.

General Motors

Multiple General Motors electric vehicles include V2L functionality.
Including the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, and Silverado EV, this feature will also be available in upcoming vehicles. Furthermore, both the GMC Sierra EV and Cadillac Lyriq come equipped with this capability, as the company has committed to integrating this technology into numerous forthcoming models.

Lucid Air

The vehicle with the longest range for an electric car also features V2L technology and can supply up to 9.6 kW of power to another electric automobile.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The highest trim level of the Outlander PHEV can provide up to 1.5 kW of power as another plugin hybrid.

Tesla Cybertruck

Whether you love it or hate it, the Tesla Cybertruck has the capability to provide up to 9.6 kW of power for external devices.

Volkswagen ID.4

The ID.4 recently received an upgrade enabling versions equipped with 77 kWh batteries and bigger to supply power for as long as 48 hours, contingent upon the electrical grid conditions and usage demands.

Frequently Asked Questions