Which cars offer V2L in Australia?

The advent of electric cars brings with it all kinds of new, intriguing technologies with the ability to enhance our everyday lives – and V2L functionality is high on the list. 

Those familiar with electric vehicles may be aware of terms like ‘vehicle-to-grid’ (V2G), ‘vehicle-to-home’ (V2H) or ‘bi-directional charging’ capabilities.

They refer to an electric car’s ability to both receive and supply power, operating as a sort of battery on wheels.

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This means electric cars with V2G, V2H or bi-directional charging capabilities are able to send power back into the electricity grid during peak periods, power your home in an effort to reduce electricity costs, or even provide back-up electricity in the event of a blackout. 

‘Vehicle-to-load’ (V2L) is a similar concept but on a smaller scale – enabling your car to provide AC power to devices and appliances as opposed to entire homes or the electricity grid. 

Nevertheless, it’s both a cool party trick and a handy feature, particularly for anyone who works out of their car (hello, laptop charging) or enjoys the occasional camping trip.

Here are the cars in Australia currently equipped with V2L capabilities.

The Atto 3, a small electric SUV from Chinese brand BYD (Build Your Dreams), is offered with exterior vehicle-to-load capabilities. By plugging a powerboard-like adaptor (included in the purchase price of the car) into the vehicle's external Type 2 charging port, owners can tap into 3.6kW of power output to charge their external devices.

Before using the adaptor, ensure the car's battery capacity is not below 15 per cent. For reference, the average Australian household powerpoint provides 2.4kW of power output.

The Genesis GV60 medium SUV has V2L access both internally and externally. Owners can power their appliance by either plugging into the 240-volt outlet located in the interior of the car, or by plugging into the car’s charging port using an adaptor that’s included in the purchase price.

To power devices using the exterior port, ensure the vehicle is off, in park with the parking brake on, and with the doors unlocked. Meanwhile, the interior powerpoint will only provide power to devices if the vehicle is turned on. Like the BYD Atto 3, the power output is rated at 3.6kW. 

Similar to the electric Genesis GV60, the Electrified GV70 medium SUV also offers both internal and external V2L access for electrical appliances with a power consumption limit of up to 3600W.

Owners can connect their device either to a powerpoint in the boot, or through a connector that plugs into the car's charging port and is included in the purchase price of the car. Both supply 3.6kW of output, but can only be used when the battery charge level is between 20 and 100 per cent.

Unlike the Genesis GV60 and GV70, the Electrified G80 sedan only offers exterior V2L capabilities via a connector attached to its charging port, with a peak power output of 3.6kW.

It is capable of powering appliances with a consumption limit of up to 3600W (the average space heater has a consumption rating of 1500W). Like its SUV siblings, the G80's V2L function is unavailable if the car's battery capacity is less than 20 per cent.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 can supply up to 3.6kW of power to an external device via an internal plug located under the second-row seats that is activated when the car is turned on.

The Ioniq 5 also has an exterior V2L port that can provide power even when the vehicle is turned off. It can be accessed by plugging a connector accessory (purchased separately) into the car’s charging port.

According to Kia, when fully charged the Kia EV6 can offer enough power to run a large TV screen for 24 hours. In order to access the 3.6kW of output available, select ‘EV Ready’ or ‘Utility’ mode and plug your device into the outlet at the base of the rear seat.

The EV6 also allows you to access V2L functionality via its external charging port but, much like the Ioniq 5, requires a connector.

All grades of the Kia Niro EV offer V2L via an interior power socket, while the GT-Line grade adds an exterior adaptor for V2L power outside the car as well, and capable of powering devices with a consumption rating of 1900W. The Niro's V2L ports provide a maximum power output of 3.6kW.

Like other Kia EVs, the V2L allows you to use up to 80 per cent of the battery’s maximum capacity and cannot be used while the vehicle is charging.

The 2023 MG ZS EV now comes with V2L functionality courtesy of an adaptor that plugs into the car's charging port, with a maximum load of 2200W and an output of 2.2kW.

V2L functionality is available on all grades of the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid except the base ES grade.  It’s accessible via either one of two indoor power points – one located in the boot, one in the second row – with a combined load of 1500W. Simply turn the car on, hit the V2L button next to the steering wheel and plug in your device to get started.