Vehicle-to-load, or V2L as it's more commonly known, is a way of repurposing a full-electric or plug-in hybrid's battery power to power or charge external devices and appliances. This could be a fridge or coffee machine when you're camping, a laptop when you're working on the road and need a bit extra juice to finish up, or something as small as a smartphone.
Many all-electric and PHEV cars already come with V2L technology, with an increasing number of new models making it standard. It's becoming a standard feature on most new all-electric vehicles.
It sounds too good to be true? V2L is a great addition to many electric vehicles and PHEVs and an extremely useful feature; however, it has a few drawbacks you should know about if your car supports Vehicle-to-Load.
How does V2L work?
An electric car's battery uses direct current (DC) electricity, while most household and external devices use alternating current (AC). To enable V2L charging, your all-electric car or PHEV uses an onboard inverter to convert high-voltage direct current (DC) from the main battery into standard alternating current (AC).
V2L is usually operated through your car’s infotainment touchscreen system, where you manually select it, or via a switch at the V2L socket. This socket is either a built-in three-pin household socket inside the car or a special V2L adapter that fits into your vehicle's exterior charging socket. There are also many safety features built into the V2L system designed to prevent damaging the battery.
You can set a discharge limit in the car's settings, which usually won't go beyond 15 to 20 percent of the remaining charge, so you don't fully drain the battery and end up unable to drive. Manufacturers like Kia have a fail-safe that limits you to 80 percent of the battery's capacity.
Does every electric car have V2L?
No, not every new car comes with V2L. It has to be an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, and not all new cars meet that requirement. V2L also requires specialist software and internal equipment, and not every car has it installed.
Also, those all-electric cars and PHEVs with smaller batteries wouldn't make sense to add V2L to, since they have limited battery charge in the first place.
Why you need V2L for your next car
Not everyone thinks of V2L when purchasing a new car. It might not be a feature you think you'll need until you're in a situation where it comes in handy. Whether you're working remotely, out in the sticks on a weekend camping trip, or you need to power an appliance or device when you're away from home, like a fridge on a summer's day out. Access to your car's battery power can be surprisingly useful.
If you're often away camping, V2L can deliver enough power to make life outdoors that little bit easier. You can run lights, fridges, air pumps, or even a coffee machine without needing a separate generator. If you're a remote worker or in a role such as a building surveyor or telecoms engineer, V2L can power-charge a laptop, smartphone, and other devices when you're away from mains electricity.
V2L is also useful around the home. During a power cut, for example, a V2L-equipped car could supply emergency power to selected devices while you wait for the electricity to come back on. Or, if you're an avid DIYer, you can run power tools and other equipment without having to trail long cables from the house.
For many drivers, these are some of V2L's biggest appeals. It gives your car another purpose when you’re not driving it.
When is V2L most useful?
- Camping and road trips: Powering a fridge, kettle, air pump, lights or other outdoor equipment.
- Working on the go: Keeping laptops, smartphones, and other devices charged.
- Emergencies: Providing power during a power cut.
- DIY and outdoor work: Powering tools and other equipment when there isn't a nearby socket.
- Convenience: Power and charging wherever you drive.
How long can I use V2L for?
How long you can use V2L depends on the size of your vehicle's battery and the power drawn by the external devices you're charging or powering. For larger items such as an e-bike or larger power tools, you could get a few days' worth of V2L charge. For smaller items such as a laptop or a phone, you could potentially power them for weeks at a time. This is especially useful with low-powered camping gear, such as a rechargeable headlamp or electric cooker.
What models come with V2L
Many new all-electric vehicles and a few PHEV hybrids come with V2L, although it isn't yet a standard feature across the entire EV market. Some car manufacturers offer V2L as standard equipment, while others restrict it to a particular trim or model. If you're after a new car with V2L, it's crucial to check the equipment levels carefully or ask the dealership which models offer it.
Which EVs come with V2L
With new EVs hitting the market every day, many now offer V2L as standard. The BYD range of EVs, from the compact BYD Dolphin city car to the larger BYD Sealion 7, all feature V2L. Hyundai's IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9 models come with V2L, while Ford, Kia, Genesis, Citroën, Peugeot, MG and many more bring vehicle-to-load to select models.
What PHEVs come with V2L?
V2L is more common in EVs; however, a small but growing number of PHEV models also offer it, allowing you to use the vehicle's battery to power external appliances and devices. PHEV batteries are much smaller than those in a full-electric car, so they provide less power for V2L use.
The BYD SEAL U DM-i SUV PHEV and the 6 DM-i come with V2L, while the JAECOO 7, OMODA 7, and OMODA 9 PHEV models all feature V2L as standard. Unusually, the Ford Ranger PHEV also features V2L thanks to its Pro Power Onboard sockets, making it a great vehicle for camping and a top choice for construction surveyors and wind farm engineers who work out of their pickups.
Is V2L safe?
Yes, V2L is safe as long as you follow the manufacturer's guidelines and use compatible equipment, such as cables and V2L adapters. All-electric cars and PHEVs with vehicle-to-load have built-in safety systems and features that ensure they operate safely. Using non-standard cables or improper adapters could damage your car, so it's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions when operating a V2L system.
You should understand that continual use of an EV's and PHEV's V2L system means you're increasing the battery's charge and discharge cycles over its lifetime, which could slightly increase battery degradation.
Can I charge another EV using V2L?
Yes, you can. This is known as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging and will only work if both vehicles have V2L capability and you have the correct equipment, such as the right charging cable. Always refer to your manufacturer's guidelines to confirm your EV supports V2V.
Also, it's worth noting that you'll only be able to gain a couple of miles of range per hour using the V2V method and are required to set the cut-off point for the vehicle distributing the power in order to keep the battery protected.
Frequently asked questions
The typical maximum output for a standard Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system in most all-electric vehicles is 3.6kw. There are some speciality and larger vehicles that can reach up to 9.6kW.
Because V2L is an official, manufacturer-designed feature, occasional use is not expected to damage the battery or affect its lifespan. Most V2L systems have a predetermined threshold, usually 20 percent, and will stop the V2L process when the battery reaches it, preventing it from being discharged too far.
Since V2L systems are standard equipment on some models and trims, it's unlikely to affect the warranty. However, it's best to check with the dealership if you're buying new, used (and the warranty is being carried over), or leased, to confirm the warranty covers the V2L system.
Also, using non-standard equipment could invalidate the warranty. Always check with the manufacturer first.
Is V2L worth having in an electric car?
As the shift toward electric and hybrid cars naturally happens, and with battery power increasing, more manufacturers are going to add V2L as a standard feature in their new vehicles. It's a handy feature many people will use, especially when camping without a campervan.
Looking for an electric car with V2L? Visit your local Evans Halshaw retailer to explore the latest V2L-equipped models and find the one that suits you.
