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.
| Vehicle | Battery | Interior | Exterior | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Atto 3 Essential | 50 kWh | ✓ | 2.2 kW | |
| BYD Atto 3 Extended 2022-2024 | 60.5 kWh | ✓ | 2.2 kW | |
| BYD Atto 3 Premium | 60.5 kWh | ✓ | 2.2 kW | |
| BYD Atto 3 Standard Range 2022-2023 | 50 kWh | ✓ | 2.2 kW | |
| BYD Dolphin Essential | 44.9 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| BYD Dolphin Premium | 60.5 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| BYD Seal Dynamic | 61.4 kWh | ✓ | 3 kW | |
| BYD Seal Performance | 82.6 kWh | ✓ | 3 kW | |
| BYD Seal Premium | 82.6 kWh | ✓ | 3 kW | |
| BYD Sealion 7 Performance | 82.5 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| BYD Sealion 7 Premium | 82.5 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| Ford E-Transit | 67 kWh | ✓ | 2.3 kW | |
| Geely EX5 Complete | 60.2 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| Geely EX5 Inspire | 60.2 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| Genesis GV70 Electrified 2023 | 74 kWh | ✓ | 3.6 kW | |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 77 Elite 2023 | 74 kWh | ✓ | 3.6 kW | |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 77 Limited 2023 | 74 kWh | ✓ | 3.6 kW | |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 N | 80 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Hyundai IONIQ 6 2023-2024 | 53 kWh | ✓ | 3.6 kW | |
| Hyundai IONIQ 6 77 Elite 2023-2024 | 77.4 kWh | ✓ | 3.6 kW | |
| Hyundai IONIQ 6 77 Limited 2023-2024 | 77.4 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Hyundai IONIQ 6 77 RWD 2023-2024 | 77.4 kWh | ✓ | 3.6 kW | |
| KGM Torres EVX | 72 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| Kia EV3 Earth | 78 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia EV3 GT-Line | 78 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia EV3 Light LR | 78 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia EV3 Light SR | 55 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia EV5 Earth | 84 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.2 kW |
| Kia EV5 Earth AWD | 84 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.2 kW |
| Kia EV5 GT-Line | 84 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.2 kW |
| Kia EV6 Air Long Range 2022-2024 | 74 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia EV6 Air Standard Range 2022-2024 | 54 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia EV6 Earth 2022-2024 | 74 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia EV6 GT 2023-2024 | 74 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia EV6 GT-Line 2022-2024 | 74 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia EV9 Earth | 96 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia EV9 GT-Line | 96 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia EV9 Light | 74 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Kia Niro 2022-2024 | 64.8 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.6 kW |
| Leapmotor C10 | 66 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| MG 4 Essence 64 | 62.1 kWh | ✓ | 2.2 kW | |
| MG 4 Excite 51 | 50.8 kWh | ✓ | 2.2 kW | |
| MG 4 Excite 64 | 62.1 kWh | ✓ | 2.2 kW | |
| MG 4 Long Range | 74.4 kWh | ✓ | 2.2 kW | |
| MG 4 XPower | 62.1 kWh | ✓ | 2.2 kW | |
| MG ZS EV | 49 kWh | ✓ | 2.4 kW | |
| MG ZS EV Long Range | 68.3 kWh | ✓ | 2.2 kW | |
| Polestar 4 Dual | 94 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.2 kW |
| Polestar 4 Single | 94 kWh | ✓ | ✓ | 3.2 kW |
| Smart #1 BRABUS | 62 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| Smart #1 Premium | 62 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| Smart #1 Pro+ | 62 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| Smart #3 BRABUS | 62 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| Smart #3 Premium | 62 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 kW | |
| Smart #3 Pro+ | 62 kWh | ✓ | 3.3 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.
