How to Use V2L: A Step-by-Step Guide

V2L (vehicle-to-load) lets you use your EV's battery as a power source for tools, appliances and devices. It works through the same Type 2 charging inlet the car uses to charge — but via a dedicated discharge cable that signals the car to output power instead of draw it. Here is exactly how to use it.

Step 1: Confirm your car supports V2L

Not every EV with a Type 2 inlet supports V2L. The car needs specific hardware — an inverter and control logic — to discharge through the inlet. Check the full V2L compatibility list for your car before ordering a cable. The main compatible UK models include the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, Kia EV6 and EV9, BYD Atto 3, Seal, Dolphin and Sealion 6, MG4 Extended Range and Trophy, and Genesis GV60.

Step 2: Get the right V2L cable for your car

A V2L discharge cable is not a standard charging cable. It plugs into the Type 2 inlet on one end and provides a mains socket output on the other. The output socket type depends on your specific car model. Our V2L cables come in variants matched to specific output socket types. The product pages list compatible vehicles. Order the right variant — a Hyundai cable will not fit a BYD, and vice versa.

Step 3: Park and prepare

Park the car and put it in standby, depending on your manufacturer's instructions. The car does not need to be in a charging bay or connected to any power source. V2L works anywhere you park, which is the point of it.

Make sure the battery has enough charge for your intended use. At 3.6kW, the car discharges at roughly 4–5% of a 77kWh battery per hour. Most systems stop discharge automatically at a minimum state of charge (typically 20%), so you will not accidentally flatten the battery.

Step 4: Plug in the V2L cable

Open the charging port on the car. Insert the V2L cable's car-end connector into the Type 2 inlet exactly as you would a charging cable. The connector will lock into place with a click. Do not force it — if it does not seat easily, check you have the correct cable variant for your car.

Step 5: Enable V2L mode on the car

This step varies by manufacturer but is usually in the car's touchscreen settings under "Energy", "Vehicle to Load" or "Charging". On Hyundai and Kia models, select V2L mode from the EV menu. The car will not start discharging until this is enabled — inserting the cable alone is not enough.

On some models, you need the car in a specific key or ready state. Refer to your owner's manual for the exact sequence. It usually takes under 30 seconds to activate once you know where the setting is.

Step 6: Plug in your device

Once V2L mode is active, plug your appliance or device into the mains socket on the cable. The car will start discharging immediately. A small indicator light or in-car status display usually confirms that discharge is active and shows the current power draw.

You can run multiple devices, provided the total draw does not exceed the car's V2L output (typically 3.6kW / 16A). If the circuit trips, reduce the load and reactivate V2L mode.

What can you actually run on V2L?

At 3.6kW, V2L will comfortably power:

• Power tools (drill, circular saw, angle grinder — typically 0.5–2kW)
• A kettle (2–3kW — right at the limit, but works)
• A portable heater (1–2kW)
• A fridge-freezer (100–400W continuous)
• Camping equipment: lights, fans, a mini-oven
• Laptop and phone chargers, TV (all well under 1kW)

V2L will not run a large electric oven (4–8kW), an electric shower (7–10kW) or an immersion heater. It is a robust outdoor power source, not a whole-home backup.

How much battery will you use?

Most V2L systems cut out automatically at around 20% state of charge to preserve enough battery to drive home. That gives you roughly 60% of a 77kWh car's capacity as usable V2L energy.

Does V2L damage the battery?

No. V2L uses the same discharge chemistry as driving. The battery management system controls discharge rate and temperature, exactly as it does when the car is moving. There is no evidence from manufacturers that V2L use accelerates battery degradation beyond normal cycle wear.