Vehicle to Load is a handy technology that allows you to use your electric car as a power source, so you can even keep your lights on while camping or use your hedge trimmer in the back garden thanks to your EV. Although more and more cars are equipped with V2L technology (whether or not from the factory or after a software update), you can still use V2L in every electric car for a long time. That is why it is good to take a look at which models are suitable and whether V2L will become the standard in newer electric cars.
Vehicle to Load is ideal, but cannot be used with every electric car
V2L has increased in popularity considerably in recent years, partly due to the popularity of holidays with electric cars and the fact that the EV can be used as a mobile power bank. Older electric cars are in most cases not yet equipped with V2L, although there are a number of models that can indeed be used as a power point thanks to a software update. The fact that this is not possible in all cases has to do with how the EV is built, the battery pack that is used and the connections in the car itself. In most cases, having the EV modified is not a feasible option.
Now we have to add that almost all modern electric cars are equipped with the technology to be able to use V2L. Most car manufacturers are already busy implementing and refining the technology to set up a wide range of possibilities, especially now that the EV as a power bank brings with it many additional advantages.
Some well-known, renowned models that can use V2L
The most famous cars that make V2L possible are the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai IONIQ5. These models have received a lot of attention and won awards, partly because of the technology that was first rolled out on a large scale here. Within a few weeks, the first photos appeared on social media of people who went camping with these cars and had connected light strings to the V2L adapter . In the meantime, more than a year has passed and the number of cars with V2L technology has increased significantly (although this is still far from the standard or can be called it).
BYD and MG also have quite a few models that can be used. Kia has also launched more models on the market, such as the Niro EV and EV9 that are suitable for V2L. A model that should not be missing from the list is the Mitsubishi Outlander, which has been in the spotlight for a long time thanks to this technology. Volvo also has the EX90 V2L in its range. Since these manufacturers are already familiar with the technology and have made it possible 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 critical consumer in the future.
Will V2L become standard in the future?
It is undeniable that more and more attention is being paid to charging in the opposite direction when charging electric cars . The powerful battery packs of electric cars can play a major role in the energy transition and distribution of sustainable energy in order to coordinate the friction between peak moments in supply and demand. We expect that V2L will become the standard for the newer electric cars of renowned brands, but a caveat must be made immediately.
V2L is not the end station. Ultimately, Vehicle to Home (or Vehicle to Grid) is the goal, where sustainable energy can be temporarily stored in the battery of the electric car, which can then supply a complete network with power during peak times in demand for power. The battery can then be easily charged at the time when the network no longer requires power and can therefore supply it back.
Vehicle to Load certainly has a future, but is not the ultimate goal. That is the EV as a home battery and an important link in the sustainability of the energy network.
Good to keep in mind when you want to use V2L
Please note that you cannot simply use V2L. For example, you cannot use the car while V2L is charging and every electric car has a minimum battery percentage to enable V2L. This ensures that you do not end up in the wilderness with your EV because you wanted to leave your phone.
At the same time, it is good to keep an eye on the cable to ensure that you process it safely. You do not want someone to trip over the cable at night and damage the car's charging socket with the V2L adapter. Another factor to consider is that you should not connect huge energy consumers to V2L. On the one hand, because the voltage is too low to make it work optimally and on the other hand, because you lose a relatively large range.
Always choose a good V2L adapter so that you can use the technology in a safe and pleasant way. You can of course simply order this online from us, where all products are provided with a CE quality mark and at the same time you can always count on the best price-quality ratio. If you also order your new V2L adapter before 5:00 PM, we will ensure that it is shipped the same day and you can soon use your EV as a power bank, wherever you are with your car.
