What Is a CEE 16A V2L Cable and What Can It Power?

A CEE 16A V2L cable is a short adapter lead that lets you use your electric vehicle's built-in Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) inverter to supply mains-style power from a blue IEC 60309 commando socket, the same standard connector found on every UK caravan hookup pillar and campsite pitch. If your car supports V2L, one of these cables lets you plug a caravan hookup lead, a site extension lead, or a power tool directly into the car. Browse the full range of V2L discharge cables to find the right length for your setup.

What exactly is the CEE 16A connector?

The CEE 16A connector is the blue round three-pin plug and socket defined by the IEC 60309 standard. In the UK it is often called a commando connector, a caravan hookup connector, or simply a blue campsite plug. It appears on virtually every campsite electric hookup post, on caravan site pedestals, on temporary site power supplies, and on many outdoor extension leads. The plug and socket are colour-coded blue to indicate single-phase 230V at up to 16A, and they are designed to be weatherproof when connected. A V2L cable fitted with this socket on the output end means your EV's power output speaks the same language as all that existing campsite and outdoor infrastructure.

How does Vehicle-to-Load actually work?

V2L is a feature built into certain electric vehicles that allows the car's battery to supply alternating current power to external devices, rather than just storing electricity for driving. Inside the car, an inverter converts the high-voltage DC battery power into the 230V AC that your appliances expect. The cable itself carries that power from the car to the socket; it does not add power or change the output. The maximum power available is set entirely by the car's own inverter, not by the cable. Most V2L-capable cars output roughly 3.6kW, which is around 16A at UK mains voltage. Confirm the exact output rating for your specific model and year in your owner's manual or with the manufacturer, as it does vary.

What can a CEE 16A V2L cable actually power?

At roughly 3.6kW of available output, you can comfortably run a range of campsite and outdoor kit. Typical loads well within the output include caravan lighting and low-power sockets, a 12V compressor fridge running through a mains inverter, a phone and laptop charging setup, an electric cool box, a small fan heater on a low setting, and LED lighting rigs for outdoor events. A kettle is a heavy draw and will likely use most or all of the available power in one go, so think of it as a single-appliance task. Avoid running multiple high-draw items at the same time, and always check the wattage rating of each appliance against your car's rated V2L output. Do not attempt to exceed the car's rated output, as this will trigger the car's own protection systems.

Is a CEE 16A cable the right choice, or do I need CEE 32A?

For the vast majority of V2L cars on the market today, a CEE 16A cable is the right choice, because most V2L inverters are rated at or below 16A. A CEE 32A cable plugged into a car that can only supply 16A will not give you more power; the car's inverter is the hard ceiling. A 32A cable would only offer a practical advantage if your specific vehicle's V2L system is rated above 16A, which is uncommon. Check your car's V2L output rating with the manufacturer before deciding. If in doubt, the 16A cable suits the overwhelming majority of V2L vehicles.

Safety points to keep in mind

Using your EV for outdoor power is straightforward, but a few common-sense rules apply. Always check that the total load of connected appliances does not exceed the car's rated V2L output. Keep the connection point dry, as CEE connectors are weatherproof when mated but should not be left with the socket exposed in rain. Use hookup leads and extension leads that are in good condition and correctly rated. Standard caravan site hookup leads already include RCD protection, which is good practice for outdoor circuits. If you are using the V2L output with tools or equipment not designed for a caravan hookup, make sure any extension equipment also has appropriate overcurrent and RCD protection. Do not leave the connection unattended for long periods without monitoring the car's state of charge.

Which cars support V2L?

V2L is not universal across all electric vehicles. At the time of writing, it is commonly available across a range of Kia models (including the EV6 and EV9), Hyundai models (including the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6), and MG models, as well as certain other manufacturers. However, availability varies by trim level and model year, so do not assume all versions of a given car include it. Always check the specification sheet or confirm directly with the manufacturer or dealer for your exact model and year before buying a V2L cable. The car must have the V2L feature for any V2L cable to work.

Frequently asked questions

Will a CEE 16A V2L cable give me more power than a standard 3-pin V2L cable?

No. The power output is determined entirely by your car's V2L inverter, not the cable. A CEE 16A cable simply gives you the blue commando socket that caravan hookup leads and campsite equipment plug into, which is more convenient for outdoor and campsite use than a domestic 3-pin socket.

Do I need to leave the car running to use V2L?

Most V2L-capable cars keep the V2L mode active without the engine running, since EVs have no engine. You typically activate V2L through the car's menu system and leave the car in a stationary V2L mode. Consult your owner's manual for the exact procedure, as it varies by manufacturer and model year.

Can I power my entire caravan from my EV using a V2L cable?

It depends on your caravan's total load. Most caravans used on a campsite draw well within the roughly 3.6kW typically available from V2L cars, provided you are not running a high-draw appliance such as an electric shower or a large heater at full power simultaneously. Check your caravan's appliance ratings and compare them to your car's rated V2L output before connecting.

Is it safe to use a V2L cable outdoors in wet weather?

The blue CEE IEC 60309 connector is designed to be weatherproof when properly mated. Keep the connection point sheltered where practical, ensure both the plug and socket are clean and dry before connecting, and do not leave an unmated socket exposed in rain. Always use leads and equipment in good condition and rated for outdoor use.

Will using V2L drain my EV battery quickly?

It will draw from the battery, but the rate depends on your load. Running campsite essentials such as lighting and a fridge is a relatively modest draw compared to driving. How long the battery lasts depends on your car's battery capacity and the total power being consumed. Monitor the state of charge and plan to drive home with charge to spare.

Does a CEE 16A V2L cable work with all V2L-capable cars?

The cable's CEE 16A socket end is universal, but the car end of the cable must match your specific vehicle's V2L port. Different manufacturers use different connector styles for the car-side connection. Always check compatibility with your car's make, model, and year before purchasing a V2L cable.

If your EV supports V2L, a CEE 16A V2L cable opens up genuinely useful outdoor and campsite power without any additional equipment beyond the cable and a suitable hookup lead. See the full selection at V2L discharge cables, and if you have questions about other charging cable types, browse our guides for straightforward answers on EV charging.