V2L vs V2G vs V2H: What's the Difference?

V2L, V2G and V2H all use your EV's battery to supply power, but they differ in what they power and what kit they need. V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) powers individual devices you plug straight into an adapter, typically up to around 3.6kW, and needs only a capable car. V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) feeds power back to the national grid and needs a special bidirectional charger. V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) powers your whole house through the consumer unit and needs dedicated hardware and installation. If you just want to run appliances now, V2L is the easiest, and our guide on what V2L is covers it in detail. Here is how the three compare.

At a glance: V2L vs V2G vs V2H

What is V2L in simple terms?

V2L is the simplest: your car acts as a portable power source for devices you plug into an adapter. The adapter connects to the charging port and provides a household socket, so you can run tools, camping gear, or a fridge during a power cut, typically up to around 3.6kW depending on the car. It needs only a V2L-capable car and the adapter, with no installation. Because it is so straightforward, V2L is the most widely available of the three and the one most drivers will actually use day to day.

What is V2G and how does it differ?

V2G, Vehicle-to-Grid, sends electricity from your car back into the national grid rather than into your own appliances. The idea is that your parked car can support the grid at peak times and recharge cheaply off-peak, potentially earning you money or credit. The key difference is that V2G needs a special bidirectional charger and a supporting energy tariff, so it is not something you set up with a simple adapter. Availability is still limited and depends on compatible cars, chargers and tariffs being in place.

What is V2H and how does it differ?

V2H, Vehicle-to-Home, uses the car to power your whole house through its wiring, not just plugged-in appliances. In a power cut it can keep your home running from the car battery, and at other times it can let you use stored energy across the house. The difference from V2L is scale and complexity: V2H needs dedicated hardware wired into your consumer unit and a professional installation. It is emerging rather than commonplace, and depends on a compatible car and home system working together.

Which one should you choose?

Choose based on what you actually want to power. For running appliances while camping, on a work site, or during a short power cut, V2L is the clear pick because it is cheap, needs no installation, and works today on capable cars. If your goal is to earn from grid support and cut charging costs, V2G is the route, but only if you have a compatible car, charger and tariff. If you want genuine whole-home backup, V2H is the aim, accepting the extra hardware and installation. Most drivers start, and stay, with V2L.

Do all three need a special car?

Yes, all three depend on your car supporting the relevant feature, because they all rely on the car's power electronics being able to supply power outward. V2L support is the most common today, found on several Hyundai, Kia, MG and BYD models among others. V2G and V2H support is rarer and tied to specific cars and equipment. Whichever you are interested in, confirm your exact car and any required charger or home system are compatible before committing, as the model name alone is not a guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Is V2L cheaper to set up than V2G or V2H?

Yes, by a wide margin. V2L needs only a V2L-capable car and an adapter, with no installation. V2G needs a bidirectional charger and a supporting tariff, and V2H needs dedicated hardware wired into your home. For most people who simply want to run appliances, V2L is by far the cheapest and quickest option.

Can one car do all three?

In principle a car could support more than one, but in practice support varies and each has its own requirements. Many cars offer V2L today, while V2G and V2H remain rarer and depend on extra equipment. Check your specific car and the required chargers or home systems rather than assuming one feature implies the others.

Does V2G let me sell electricity back?

That is the concept: V2G can feed power to the grid, which through the right tariff may earn you money or credit. It needs a compatible car, a bidirectional charger and a supporting energy plan. Availability is still limited in the UK, so check what your energy supplier and equipment actually offer before relying on it.

Can V2H replace a home battery?

It can act in a similar way by using the car's battery for home backup and self-use, but it needs dedicated hardware and a compatible car, and your car has to be plugged in to help. A fixed home battery is always available, whereas the car may be away. Many owners see V2H as a complement rather than a straight replacement.

Which is available today for most drivers?

V2L is the most widely available now, since it works on a range of current cars with just an adapter. V2G and V2H are emerging and depend on specific cars, chargers, tariffs or home systems being in place. If you want a feature you can use soon, V2L is the practical choice for most drivers.

Is V2L safe compared with the others?

All three are designed with safety controls, and V2L is safe when used sensibly: keep connections dry, stay within the car's power limit, and follow the adapter's guidance. Because V2L does not touch your home wiring or the grid, it is the simplest to use safely, whereas V2G and V2H involve professional installation to be safe.

In short: V2L powers your gadgets, V2G supports the grid, and V2H powers your home, each needing progressively more kit. To get started with the easiest of the three, read what V2L is and how it works, and for home backup specifically see whether you can power your house with an EV.