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Why Are EV Batteries Useful for More Than Just Driving?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often seen as just a means of transportation, but their large battery capacity (4-5x what is stored in an average Tesla Powerwall home battery) makes them valuable for much more than driving. Given that cars spend more than 90% of their time parked, the ability to repurpose their battery’s energy can be incredibly beneficial.
Most EV batteries range in capacity from 40 kWh to over 100 kWh, enough to power an average home for days in the event of an outage. Traditionally, this kind of stored energy would sit unused, but newer technologies enable EV owners to tap into their vehicle’s power reserves. This can be done in a few different ways, including:
That’s a lot of acronyms, so let’s unpack how these are different, and when they might be most relevant. Understanding Vehicle to Load (V2L)Imagine being on a camping trip and effortlessly powering your lights, mini-fridge, and laptop directly from your car. Or consider a construction site where power tools can be run without the need for a noisy gas generator. These scenarios are made possible by vehicle to load, a feature that allows an EV to function as a mobile power source.In electrical terms, a "load" refers to any device that consumes electricity, from a simple phone charger to a high-powered appliance. V2L essentially turns an EV into a massive, rechargeable battery pack. In a way, it’s the EV equivalent of carrying a portable generator in a gas-powered car—except without the fuel costs, noise, or emissions.Many modern EVs now offer V2L capabilities, with models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and EV9, Ford F-150 Lightning, and some Teslas. Most of the time you just need a long extension cord! What is Vehicle to Home (V2H)?Now, picture a sudden power outage at home. Instead of spending $1000 to buy a gas generator that has to sit in the yard and be fueled by gas or propane, your EV could take over. V2H technology allows an EV to supply electricity directly to a home’s electrical system. Some setups can power an entire house, while others might be configured for partial backup, prioritizing essential circuits such as refrigerators, medical devices, and heating or cooling systems. This capability makes V2H a compelling alternative to traditional backup generators or home battery storage systems, offering a cleaner and quieter energy source.However, setting up V2H does require some additional hardware, including a bidirectional charger and, in some cases, an inverter or transfer switch to ensure safe integration with a home’s electrical system. Not every EV supports V2H, but models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Nissan Leaf, Kia EV9 and other models have this capability if used with a compatible charger.[Can we show a table of what’s supported?]Vehicle to Grid (V2G): A Smarter Energy FutureWhile V2L and V2H focus on individual energy needs, V2G takes things to a broader level by enabling EVs to interact with the electrical grid. The idea behind V2G is that EVs can supply stored energy back to the grid during times of high demand, helping to stabilize the energy supply while offering financial incentives to EV owners. Basically, if every EV owner was willing to supply ~15-25% of their battery to the grid when the grid is under stress and might face brown or blackouts, then the EV owners would be compensated for this.For example, there’s a program in California called the Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP) that pays $1/KwH for residential sources like EV batteries. If you assume an EV exports 10 KwH over the span of 4 hours to the grid, then the battery could make up to $10 for that event. The assumption is that the EV owner would recharge that battery later, when overall load on the grid is lower and electricity prices are cheaper (e.g. $0.2/KwH). While that may not seem like a lot, it’s a passive activity that could go towards avoiding annoying blackouts in your neighborhood.Much like V2H, implementing V2G requires specific bidirectional charging infrastructure and participation in an approved utility program. Compatible cars include the upcoming EV 9 when paired with a Wallbox Quasar 2 charger. These opportunities are also why companies like Bidirectional Energy exist – it creates the software experience for EV owners to enroll in these programs and actually send energy back to the grid.Which Option is Right for You?Choosing between V2L, V2H, and V2G depends largely on individual needs and lifestyle. And it’s worth saying that your EV can participate in all 3!If you frequently camp, work remotely, or need reliable power on the go, V2L is an easy way to start using your EV battery for more than just driving.If you're worried about frequent outages, or simply want a way to use your car battery to provide your home electricity needs, V2H is a clean and quiet way to do so. And if you’re looking for ways to optimize your energy use while possibly earning money, V2G could be an attractive option—provided your utility supports it.As EV technology continues to advance, these capabilities will become more common and accessible. What was once just a means of transportation is quickly evolving into a critical component of home energy resilience and grid stability. Whether for personal convenience or broader energy benefits, the ability to harness the power of an EV battery is yet another reason why electric vehicles are shaping the future of energy.
