Roundup

NZ EVs with bidirectional charging

Bidirectional charging is a feature in electric vehicles that allows the vehicle’s battery to both receive and supply electrical energy.

February 29, 2024       6 min read

In New Zealand, several vehicles feature a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.

V2L is useful for powering appliances, tools, or electronic devices during outdoor activities, camping, or when access to a traditional power source may be limited or unavailable.

EVs with V2L

  • Interior: vehicle has a 3-pin socket inside the vehicle.
  • Exterior: the external charging port is used – an adaptor is required.
  • Battery: Usable capacity.

VehicleBatteryInteriorExteriorOutput
BYD Atto 3 50 kWhYes2.2 kW
BYD Atto 3 Extended 60.5 kWhYes2.2 kW
BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWhYes3.3 kW
BYD Dolphin Extended 60.5 kWhYes3.3 kW
BYD Seal Dynamic 61.4 kWhYes3 kW
BYD Seal Performance 82.6 kWhYes3 kW
BYD Seal Premium 82.6 kWhYes3 kW
Ford E-Transit 67 kWhYes2.3 kW
Genesis GV70 Electrified Used74 kWhYes3.6 kW
Hyundai IONIQ 5 77 Elite 74 kWhYes3.6 kW
Hyundai IONIQ 5 77 Limited 74 kWhYes3.6 kW
Hyundai IONIQ 6 53 kWhYes3.6 kW
Hyundai IONIQ 6 77 Elite 77.4 kWhYes3.6 kW
Hyundai IONIQ 6 77 Limited 77.4 kWhYesYes3.6 kW
Hyundai IONIQ 6 77 RWD 77.4 kWhYes3.6 kW
KGM Torres EVX 73.4 kWhYes2300 kW
Kia EV6 Air Long Range 74 kWhYesYes3.6 kW
Kia EV6 Air Standard Range 54 kWhYesYes3.6 kW
Kia EV6 Earth 74 kWhYesYes3.6 kW
Kia EV6 GT 74 kWhYesYes3.6 kW
Kia EV6 GT-Line 74 kWhYesYes3.6 kW
Kia EV9 Earth 96 kWhYesYes3.6 kW
Kia EV9 GT-Line 96 kWhYesYes3.6 kW
Kia EV9 Light 74 kWhYesYes3.6 kW
Kia Niro 64.8 kWhYesYes3.6 kW
MG 4 Essence 64 62.1 kWhYes2.2 kW
MG 4 Excite 51 50.8 kWhYes2.2 kW
MG 4 Excite 64 62.1 kWhYes2.2 kW
MG 4 Long Range 74.4 kWhYes2.2 kW
MG 4 XPower 62.1 kWhYes2.2 kW
MG ZS EV 49 kWhYes2.4 kW
MG ZS EV Long Range 68.3 kWhYes2.2 kW
Polestar 4 Long Range 94 kWhYesYes3200 kW
Polestar 4 Long Range Dual 94 kWhYesYes3200 kW

Check with the manufacturer

V2L functionality is sometimes limited to a certain trim level. The Kia Niro and Hyundai IONIQ 5 only have V2L on specific trims (typically the top-end).

Where do I get an adaptor?

This is typically an optional accessory that must be paid for separately; however, some third-party makers make adaptors for a lower price.

What is the maximum load?

The number listed is the peak power output – supplied by the manufacturer. Almost all V2Ls are good for a continuous draw of around ten amps.

What can I plug in?

Anything. However, some appliances with high loads should only be used briefly (in the same way you wouldn’t overload a multi-plug adaptor).

Won’t it drain the car battery?

Yes, but given the size of many modern EV batteries, the draw may be less than you think. A fridge, for example, has an average draw of around 1 kWh per day.

If an EV with a 64 kWh battery were 80% full, this would equate to 50 days of running the fridge until the battery was entirely discharged.

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)

The V2G concept is about returning power to the grid during peak demand periods. Although there have been some pilot programs in New Zealand, there is no commercial application. The only vehicle that allows this is the Nissan Leaf with its Chademo socket, and special charging hardware is required.

Vehicle-to-home (V2H)

EV owners can use their vehicle’s battery as a backup power source for their home during power outages or to offset electricity costs during peak demand times.

Similar to V2L, this means plugging into the home’s main switchboard. This requires specialised electrical work that isolates the circuit from accessing the grid.

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