Using Your EV as Backup Power During an Outage
Some newer EVs support vehicle-to-home (V2H) or vehicle-to-load (V2L) power export, letting the car's battery power part or all of a home during an outage — check your specific model and model year, since this capability varies widely and often requires a dedicated home charger/inverter setup, not just a cable.
Where supported, an EV's battery (typically 60-100+ kWh) dwarfs even a large power station, and can potentially run a home for days rather than hours.
We don't currently carry V2H hardware in our catalog — check your automaker's documentation or a qualified electrician for compatible equipment. For homes without V2H capability, a dedicated generator or power station remains the practical option.
FAQ
Can any EV power my house during an outage?
No — vehicle-to-home (V2H) support varies significantly by manufacturer and model year, and generally requires a compatible bidirectional charger installed at your home, not just the EV itself. Check your specific vehicle's documentation before assuming this is available to you.
How long could an EV power a house during an outage?
An EV battery is typically 60-100+ kWh, dramatically larger than even a large home power station (usually under 5 kWh) — where V2H is supported and set up, an EV can potentially run essential home circuits for multiple days rather than hours, depending on the home's load.
What's the difference between V2H and V2L?
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) typically means powering individual devices or a small number of outlets directly from the car, often via an adapter; vehicle-to-home (V2H) means integrating the EV into your home's electrical system, usually through a dedicated inverter, to power circuits or the whole house.