Can You Run a Campsite Hookup From Your EV?

Yes, if your electric vehicle supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), you can supply power through the same blue CEE 16A commando socket that every UK campsite hookup pedestal uses. With a CEE 16A V2L cable connected to your car's V2L port, your existing hookup lead plugs straight in and the car becomes the power source instead of the campsite pedestal. The V2L discharge cables page has the cables to make this work.

How does an EV replace a campsite hookup pedestal?

A standard UK campsite hookup pedestal is simply a weatherproof socket that supplies single-phase 230V AC, typically at up to 16A, to whichever pitch it serves. Your EV's V2L inverter does exactly the same thing: it converts the battery's DC power into 230V AC and presents it at the V2L port. A CEE 16A V2L cable connects your car's V2L port to a standard blue commando socket. Your caravan's hookup lead plugs into that socket, and from that point on the caravan's electrical system sees power in the same form it would from a campsite post. The car handles all the conversion internally.

What can I run from the EV on a campsite without hookup?

Think of the EV's V2L as a modest but practical power supply, similar to a campsite pitch limited to 10 to 16 amps, which is what most UK pitches actually supply. Within that, you can comfortably run a compressor fridge or cool box, caravan lighting, a low-wattage heater on a low setting, phone and laptop charging, and a small television. A kettle is a high-draw item that will typically use a significant portion of the available output on its own: use it briefly rather than leaving other loads on at the same time. An electric shower or high-power space heater will likely exceed what the car can supply. Always check the wattage of each appliance and compare the total to your car's V2L output rating.

Does it matter whether there is a formal campsite hookup point available?

If a proper campsite hookup is available, most users will prefer to use it: it does not drain the car's battery, and the ongoing energy cost of a campsite pitch is usually lower than the cost of recharging the EV battery afterwards. V2L from the car makes most sense where no hookup is available: a rural or wild campsite, a private field, a festival, or any location where you want some electricity but there is no supply to hand. It is a genuine alternative to carrying a generator in those situations, without the fuel, noise, or fumes.

How do I set up the connection at a campsite?

The process is straightforward. Park your EV in a stable position with sufficient charge for both the campsite stay and the drive to your next charging point. Activate V2L mode via your car's menu system (the exact steps vary by manufacturer, so check your owner's manual). Connect the car end of the CEE 16A V2L cable to the car's V2L port. Plug your caravan hookup lead into the CEE socket on the cable, then connect the hookup lead's other end to the caravan's inlet. Switch on appliances gradually, monitoring the total load. Keep the cable run tidy, off the ground where practical, and out of puddles or foot traffic.

Is it safe to use EV V2L power with a standard caravan hookup lead?

Yes, provided the lead is in good condition and correctly rated. Standard caravan hookup leads are designed for exactly this kind of use and include RCD protection, which is good practice for any outdoor circuit. Inspect the lead before each use: check for damage to the cable jacket, ensure connectors are clean and dry before mating, and do not coil the lead tightly under load. Keep the CEE connection point sheltered from rain where you can. The car's own inverter also includes protection circuits that will cut the supply if the load is too high or a fault is detected.

What are the realistic limits of using your EV as a campsite power source?

The main limits are the car's V2L output rating and the car's battery capacity. Most V2L cars on the UK market output roughly 3.6kW, which is a useful but not unlimited supply. Battery capacity determines how long you can run that supply before the car needs recharging. If you are at a campsite with no hookup for the car itself, plan carefully: the battery needs to cover both the campsite power use and the drive to the next charging stop. V2L works best as a convenience for lighter loads over a few hours, not as a continuous high-draw power supply over multiple days.

Frequently asked questions

Can any EV be used as a campsite hookup replacement?

No. Only EVs with built-in V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability can supply external AC power. V2L is currently available on a number of Kia, Hyundai, and MG models, among others, but it is not universal. Check your car's specification or ask the manufacturer or dealer to confirm whether your model includes V2L.

Will the campsite charge me hookup fees if I use my own EV?

Campsite hookup fees are a matter for individual campsites, and policies vary. If you are supplying your own power via V2L and not using the site's electrical infrastructure at all, some sites may not charge a hookup fee. It is worth checking with the site in advance, as this is still a relatively new situation and campsites are developing their own policies around it.

Can I use V2L to run a hook-up lead shared between two caravans?

That depends entirely on the combined load of both caravans. If the total draw of all connected appliances in both caravans exceeds the car's V2L output rating, the car's protection system will cut the supply. Running two caravans from one V2L car is only practical if both use minimal power simultaneously. In most cases, a single V2L connection is best used for one caravan or unit.

How long a V2L cable do I need for campsite use?

It depends on where the car parks relative to the caravan. On a standard pitch where the car and caravan are adjacent, a shorter cable is usually sufficient. If the car must park at some distance from the caravan pitch, a longer cable gives you flexibility. The CEE 16A V2L cables on the site are available in multiple lengths.

Is a CEE 16A V2L cable the same thing as a campsite hookup lead?

No. A campsite hookup lead runs from the pedestal socket to the caravan's inlet. A CEE 16A V2L cable runs from the car's V2L port and presents a CEE socket for the hookup lead to plug into. You need both: the V2L cable on the car side, and your existing hookup lead to connect the V2L cable to the caravan.

Does rain affect the safety of V2L campsite connections?

The blue CEE IEC 60309 connector is weatherproof when properly mated, making it suitable for outdoor use. Keep the mated connection sheltered where possible, and never leave the socket end unmated and exposed to direct rain. Use leads and equipment rated for outdoor use, and inspect all connections before use.

The cable you need for campsite and caravan hookup use is in the V2L discharge cables collection, available in lengths to suit different pitch layouts. If you have wider questions about EV charging cables or running costs, browse our guides for honest, practical answers.