Among the many groundbreaking features that electric vehicles offer, Vehicle-to-Load or V2L and Vehicle-to-Vehicle or V2V technologies truly stand out.
These additional power capabilities redefine how EVs can be used, transforming them from green transport to versatile mobile power banks.
V2L enables EVs to power external devices, from home appliances to camping equipment, while V2V can charge other EVs, making them invaluable in emergencies or off-grid situations.
There is a V2G or vehicle-to-grid technology feature for times when you want to transfer the energy stored in your vehicle’s battery back to the power grid to recover some costs but, the technology is still in its early days of development in India.
Together, these features showcase the unique potential of EVs to not only simplify life but also provide critical support when it matters most.
What are V2L and V2V?
The technology innovation enables EVs to supply power to another external appliance or V2L and change another EV or V2V.
The EV’s battery acts as a power bank.
It can power devices like a hot plate, kettle, mini refrigerator, laptops and lights.
V2L uses an adapter to convert the EV’s charging port into a standard power outlet.
How Does V2L Work?
V2L uses bidirectional charging technology. It allows energy to flow from the EV’s battery to external devices.
The adapter connects to the EV’s charging port. It converts DC power from the battery into AC power for appliances.
When Can V2L Be Used?
V2L is super useful in many situations like:
- Camping Trips: Power lights, portable refrigerators, and speakers in remote areas.
- Emergency Home Power: Use your EV to run essential appliances during blackouts.
- Outdoor Emergency Situations: Operate rescue tools and equipment in off-grid locations.
- Charging Other EVs: Help stranded EVs reach the nearest charging station.
Power Output of V2L
Most V2L systems provide power between 2.2 kW and 3.6 kW. This is enough for small appliances.
Some advanced systems, like the Ford F-150 Lightning, offer up to 9.6 kW.
Which Cars Offer V2L in India?
Some select models of EVs in India come with the V2L and V2V functionality. Here are a few:
- Nexon EV Empowered+ 45: Features V2V at a power output of 5kVA and V2L with a max power output at 3kVA
- Tata Curvv EV Creative 45: Offers V2V and V2L features
- BYD Atto 3: Offers V2L through an external adapter. It provides up to 2.2 kW of power.
- MG ZS EV: Features V2L for powering small appliances.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: Offers V2L option with 3.6 kW output.
- Kia EV6: Offers V2L with similar capabilities as the Ioniq 5.
- Hyundai Creta EV: Offers the V2L functionality, both inside and outside the vehicle.
It was a sight to behold at the Gateway of India when #HyundaiIONIQ5 partially powered the magnificent projection with its Vehicle to Load (V2L) feature to announce the opening of bookings.#HyundaiIndia #BeyondMobility #ILoveHyundai #IQNIQ5 #Poweyourworld #ElectrifiedbyIONIQ5 pic.twitter.com/DkVX19lgUd
— Hyundai India (@HyundaiIndia) December 26, 2022
Is V2L and V2V Must Have?
V2L and V2V features add versatility to EVs. It makes them more than just vehicles. They become large portable power banks.
This feature is especially valuable in regions with unreliable electricity or when travelling to remote areas.
It also in some ways answers the most often wondered question of how to use my EV as a power solution that anyways has so much power stored.
That said, V2L is a revolutionary feature in EVs.
It enhances their utility and convenience and makes them more than just a vehicle.
With more EVs adopting V2L, this technology is set to redefine mobility.
Whether for camping, emergencies, or daily use, V2L makes EVs indispensable.
As Indian and global manufacturers embrace this feature, the future of EVs looks brighter than ever.
As an Indian car vlogger just showed, even cooking a dessert dish of ‘Gajar ka Halwa’ at your farm is made possible if you own an EV that offers V2L.
Safe travels, and bon apetit!
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About the Author
GoElec aims to inform, educate, and raise awareness about the growing electric vehicle ecosystem in India and the transformative impact of modern technology and artificial intelligence on the way we travel.
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