V2L or bidirectional charging uses the large battery that normally powers your car. Using an adapter that can be plugged into the charge port of your car, you can deliver power back to a power board or other electrical devices.
V2L is ideal for camping trips, charging power tools on site, or running some key appliances during a home blackout. This includes fridges, electric cooktops, microwaves, and internet routers.
Most EVs for sale in Australia offer a battery that when fully charged, can power a home for days.
Some EV models offering the V2L feature are:
The BYD Atto 3 is an all-electric SUV that starts at $48,011 before on-road costs. While the entry model comes with a 50.1 kWh battery pack, the Atto 3 offers 60 kWh.
These battery packs can be used to offer backup power and have V2L load limit of 3.6 kWh. This is plenty to power appliances at home or when on the go.
An adapter with a power board may be included when you buy a brand new vehicle. It can be connected to the vehicle’s front-positioned charge port, ready for devices to be connected when needed.
After launching in 2023, MG’s MG4 has become one of the best-selling and most affordable electric hatchbacks in the market. The entry-level model starts at under $40,000 before on-road costs.
It’s available in three battery pack options: 51 kWh, 64 kWh, and range-topping 77 kWh pack.
An adapter can be used to enable V2L on the MG4 by using its charge port located at the rear left of the vehicle. This can deliver up to 2.2 kW of backup power when needed.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric SUV launched in Australia back in 2021. It quickly became a sought-after EV with occasions of shipment stock selling out within minutes.
This SUV now starts at under $65,000 before on-road costs and comes in two different battery versions. The first is an entry-level model with a 58 kWh battery pack. The rest of the range comes with a larger 84 kWh battery pack.
Both battery packs offer a 3.6 kW when using the V2L feature with an adapter. The charge port is located at the rear of the vehicle.
The Kia EV6 is an electric SUV built on the same platform as it’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 counterpart. It’s available in three variants with the entry-level model starting at $72,590 before on-road costs.
All variants are available with a 77 kWh pack with V2L feature. An adapter can be used on the EV6’s rear-positioned charge port and it delivers up to 3.6 kW of backup power.
The BYD Seal is a newer electric sedan offering strong road car performance along with a comfortable ride. Starting at $49,888 before on-road costs, it’s the most affordable electric sedan in the market.
The entry-level variant comes with a 61 kWh battery pack, followed by a larger 82 kWh pack found in the more premium variants.
When it comes to the V2L capabilities of the Seal, up to 3.6 kW of power is available from the battery pack. The V2L adapter can deliver up to 3.3 kW when connected to its charge port in the rear.
If you want a vehicle that can do more than your average car, an EV that offers V2L could be the right choice for you.
If you’re considering making the switch to an electric vehicle or want features like V2L, check out Allianz’s EV Hub for info and resources to help give you a head start on your EV journey.
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