Vehicle-to-Load is a convenient technology that allows you to use your electric car as a power source, allowing you to keep your lights on while camping or use your hedge trimmer in the back garden thanks to your EV. While more and more cars are equipped with V2L technology (either factory-installed or after a software update), you can still use V2L in any electric car for a long time to come. Therefore, it's a good idea to consider which models are compatible and whether V2L will become standard in newer electric cars.
Vehicle to Load is ideal, but cannot be used with every electric car
V2L has grown significantly in popularity in recent years, partly due to the popularity of electric car vacations and the fact that EVs can be used as portable power banks. Older electric cars are generally not yet equipped with V2L, although some models can indeed be used as power outlets thanks to a software update. This isn't always possible due to the EV's construction, the battery pack used, and the connections in the car itself. Modifying the EV is therefore not feasible in most cases.
It's worth noting that virtually all modern electric cars are equipped with the technology to use V2L. Most car manufacturers are already implementing and refining the technology to offer a wide range of possibilities, especially now that EVs offer numerous additional advantages as power banks.
Some well-known, renowned models that can use V2L
The best-known cars that enable V2L are the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai IONIQ5. These models have received a lot of attention and won awards, thanks in part to the technology first being rolled out on a large scale here. Within weeks, the first photos of people camping in these cars, connecting strings of lights to the V2L adapter , appeared on social media. More than a year has passed, and the number of cars with V2L technology has increased significantly (although it is still far from standard, or even considered standard).
BYD and MG also now have quite a few models that can be used. Kia has also launched more models, such as the Niro EV and EV9, that are V2L-compatible. Another model that shouldn't be left off the list is the Mitsubishi Outlander, which has been in the spotlight for a long time thanks in part to this technology. Volvo also has the EX90 V2L in its product range. Since these manufacturers are already familiar with the technology and have enabled it in their models, we expect more models with V2L technology from these brands in particular, so that there will be even more choice for the discerning consumer in the future.
Will V2L become standard in the future?
It's undeniable that reverse charging is becoming increasingly important when charging electric cars . The powerful battery packs of electric cars can play a key role in the energy transition and sustainable energy distribution, balancing the friction between peak demand and supply. We expect V2L to become the standard for newer electric cars from renowned brands, but a caveat must be made.
V2L isn't the end goal. Ultimately, the goal is Vehicle to Home (or Vehicle to Grid), where sustainable energy can be temporarily stored in the electric car's battery, which can then power an entire grid during peak power demand. The battery can then be easily recharged when the grid no longer requires power and can therefore supply it back.
Vehicle-to-Load certainly has a future, but it's not the ultimate goal. That's because EVs serve as home batteries and are a key element in making the energy grid more sustainable.
Good to keep in mind when you want to use V2L
Keep in mind that you can't just use V2L charging. For example, you can't use your car while it's charging, and every electric car has a minimum battery level required to enable V2L. This ensures you don't end up stranded in the wilderness with your EV because you wanted to leave your phone.
At the same time, it's important to ensure you dispose of the cable safely. You don't want someone tripping over it at night and damaging the car's charging port with the V2L adapter. Another factor to consider is that you shouldn't connect large power consumers to V2L. This is partly because the voltage is too low for optimal operation, and partly because you lose a relatively large amount of range doing so.
Always choose a good V2L adapter to use the technology safely and comfortably. You can, of course, order one online from us, where all products are CE-approved, ensuring you always get the best value for your money. Order your new V2L adapter before 5:00 PM, and we'll ship it the same day, so you can soon use your EV as a power bank wherever you are with your car.
