V2L Charging: Power Devices from Your EV

As electric vehicles (EVs) evolve, they’re becoming more than just transportation—they’re turning into mobile power stations. One of the most useful emerging features is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging. If you’re considering an EV and want to get the most from your investment, understanding V2L could be a game-changer—especially during power outages, road trips, or outdoor events.

Let’s break down what V2L is, how it works, what’s required to use it, which EVs in the U.S. offer it, and whether you can add this feature to a car that doesn’t come with it.

What is V2L and How Does It Work?

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) allows an electric vehicle to discharge power from its battery to run external electrical devices—everything from phones and laptops to refrigerators and power tools.

V2L works by using an inverter inside the vehicle to convert the high-voltage DC (direct current) power stored in the battery into standard AC (alternating current) power, like what you get from a home outlet. This allows you to plug in household items directly into the EV.

Some EVs include a built-in AC outlet (usually 120V in the U.S.), while others use a special adapter that connects to the vehicle’s charge port to provide AC power.

What About V2H?

You may also hear about Vehicle-to-Home (V2H). While V2L powers individual devices, V2H powers your entire home during an outage. It typically requires specialized home equipment like a bidirectional charger and transfer switch, and is currently more complex and less widely available than V2L. V2L is simpler and already available on multiple U.S. vehicles without extra home infrastructure.  This process also requires the EV to output at 240V which is less frequently encountered but growing (Ford Lightening and Cadillac Lyriq are few that do provide V2H). 

What’s Required to Use V2L?

To use V2L, an EV must have:

• An onboard inverter capable of converting DC to AC power
• A standard 120V outlet built into the vehicle or
• A V2L adapter that plugs into the vehicle’s charge port

Some trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning come with multiple built-in outlets, including 240V plugs capable of powering large appliances. Most EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 offer 120V via a V2L adapter with a max output of about 3.6 kW.

What is 3.6 kW in Plain English?

• 1 kilowatt (kW) = 1,000 watts (W)
• So, 3.6 kW = 3,600 watts

This is roughly enough to run:

• A full-size refrigerator (150–800 W)
• A laptop (50–100 W)
• A coffee maker (800–1,200 W)
• Or a small space heater (1,500 W)

But you cannot necessarily run all needed devices at once. You must stay within the 3,600-watt total limit.  Using a power strip and several extension cords can work for powering multiple items at one time so long as they are under the limit of your V2L source. 

Can You Use a 240V Outlet With V2L?

Most non-truck EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 only support 120V output via a V2L adapter. They do not have a built-in 240V outlet.

The Ford F-150 Lightning, on the other hand, includes 240V outlets as part of its Pro Power Onboard system, with a maximum output of up to 9.6 kW (9,600 watts)—enough to run much larger appliances or even back up part of your home.

Always check with the dealer or manufacturer to confirm whether a specific trim includes V2L hardware.

Can V2L Power a Furnace or Water Heater?

During a blackout, many homeowners wonder: Can my EV power large home appliances like a furnace or water heater? Here’s what you need to know:

Typical Power Draws:

• Gas furnace with electric blower: 400–800 watts
• Electric water heater: 4,000–5,500 watts
• Electric furnace: 10,000–20,000 watts

So, while gas furnaces (which just need electricity for the fan/blower) can likely be powered by a 3.6 kW V2L setup (like in the Ioniq 5), electric water heaters and electric furnaces are too demanding unless you have a high-output system like the Ford Lightning’s 240V outlet, and even that is limited to 9,600 watts.

In a power outage, an EV with V2L could:

• Power a gas furnace blower to keep heat flowing.  Or it could power several space heaters to avoid frozen pipes in the winter. 
• Run a refrigerator, lights, or small medical devices
• Keep Wi-Fi and phones online

But it probably can’t run multiple large appliances at once, especially high-draw electric heating systems.

Can You Add V2L to an EV That Doesn’t Have It?

Not easily. V2L requires:

• A high-voltage inverter that outputs AC power
• A protected power outlet or adapter

If your EV didn’t come with this hardware, there’s no simple plug-and-play kit you can buy to add it. Some EV conversion shops may retrofit this feature for custom builds, but that’s not practical (or warranted) for most drivers.

Bottom line: if V2L matters to you, it’s best to buy an EV that has it from the factory.

Real-Life Uses of V2L

V2L is already proving useful to drivers:

• Emergency Backup: During power outages caused by hurricanes or winter storms, Ford F-150 Lightning owners have used their trucks to keep homes powered, including running refrigerators, lights, and medical equipment. Keeping emergency equipment like a dialysis machine running during a power outage is a prime example. 
• Outdoor Living: Ioniq 5 and EV6 owners use V2L to run camping gear, coffee makers, and even movie projectors at tailgates or campsites—no noisy generator needed.
• On-the-go gadgets: Need to charge a drone, keep your e-bike ready, or run camping appliances? V2L handles it. Even remote devices like routers or lighting for an outdoor event can stay powered by the vehicle’s battery.
• Mobile Work: Contractors use Ford Lightnings to power job site tools without needing a separate generator, saving time and money.

Tips for Getting the Most from V2L

• Know your output limits: 3.6 kW = 3,600 watts. Add up the wattage of devices before plugging them in.
• Check appliance wattage: Before plugging in, add up the watts of all devices to avoid power strip overload.  Stick to combos of lower wattage items or use one high voltage item like a hair dryer at a time. 
• Use quality extension cords: Stick to heavy-duty, grounded cords, and never overload the outlet.
• Monitor battery usage: V2L drains your driving range. Always track the battery percentage.
• Plan ahead: If powering a furnace is essential, make sure your system is compatible (gas blower, not electric) and the EV has sufficient wattage.
• Ventilation and safety- Run the V2L EV in a well-ventilated area to avoid heat buildup.  If you ever hook the EV to house circuits (for whole-home backup) use a correct transfer switch installed by an electrician. 

Checking V2L Support when Shopping

If you’re shopping for an EV and want V2L, there are a few clues to look for:

• Specifications: Search the manufacturer’s spec sheet or brochure for terms like “V2L”, “exportable power”, “pro power onboard”, or “AC outlet.” For example, Hyundai and Kia list 3.6 kW V2L output for models like the Ioniq5, Kona Electric, Niro EV and EV6. Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV is often listed with ~1.5 kW V2L.
• Physical Features: Look for an AC power outlet inside the car (often under seats or in the cargo area) or a note that the charge port doubles as a power output. Some press releases mention the adapter cable in the EV’s accessories list. If you see a picture of a regular 120V plug in the rear, that’s a giveaway.

If in doubt, contact the dealer or customer support and ask “Does this model come with a V2L outlet or adapter, and what is its output?”

EV Models with V2L Capability

This is a list that is always evolving and changing.  Here is a listing of some of the vehicles that currently come with v2L capability:

• Ford Lightening
• Hyundai Ioniq5
• Hyundai Ioniq6
• Kia EV 6
• Kia Niro EV
• Genesis GV60
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
• Tesla Cybertruck
• Jeep Wrangler 4xe
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
• GMC Hummer EV

Need Help Finding an EV with V2L?

At My Car Insight, we specialize in helping customers understand and find the right vehicle features—including V2L. Whether you’re preparing for power outages or planning an off-grid adventure, we can guide you to the right EV with the capability you need.

Let us help you power up smarter.