Can my EV run my house?
Many electric cars can power things during an outage in two ways: V2L (vehicle-to-load, an outlet on the car or an adapter, for cords and appliances) and V2H (vehicle-to-home, a bidirectional charger wired to the house through a transfer switch or interlock). Pick a typical battery size and how you would connect it. Pack sizes and power levels below are typical planning values, not specs for your model: read your manual or the maker's page.
How this is worked out
- Usable energy = battery kWh × (1 − driving reserve) × 0.85 for conversion losses (a typical planning figure, not measured).
- Runtime = usable Wh ÷ your average watts. Range lost uses a typical 3 miles per kWh.
- Typical outlet limits: V2L 1.9 kW at 120 V, 3.6 kW on higher-power outlets, V2H 9.6 kW. Your car and charger may differ.
- Comparison figures come from the same labelled defaults as the backup cost compare tool. We list no prices.
- Running the house from a car drains the range you may need to drive out. Check whether your car's warranty and manual allow V2L or V2H use.
Related: backup power calculator · home battery size. We have not hands-on tested any product.