Which Electric Cars Support V2L (Vehicle-to-Load)?

V2L sounds like a feature invented for campsites, but it has real day-to-day uses: powering tools at a job site with no mains supply, running a fridge at a festival, keeping lights and devices on during a power cut, and charging another EV in a pinch. Here is how to know if your car supports it and what you actually need.

What is V2L and how does it work?

V2L stands for vehicle-to-load. A compatible EV outputs AC power through the same Type 2 inlet used for charging, via a purpose-made V2L discharge cable. The cable plugs into the car's Type 2 inlet on one end and provides one or more mains sockets on the other. The car's onboard inverter converts battery DC to standard UK 230V AC.

A Type 2 inlet on its own is not enough. The car needs specific hardware — an inverter and control logic — to discharge through the inlet. This is why not every EV with a Type 2 socket supports V2L, and why you cannot use a standard charging cable in reverse.

Which UK electric cars support V2L?

V2L support has expanded rapidly since 2021. Here are the main models available in the UK as of 2026:

This list expands regularly. Check our V2L compatibility checker for a full list of confirmed UK models and the correct cable for each one.

How much power can a V2L car deliver?

Most V2L-capable EVs deliver 3.6kW, which is 16A at 230V. This is enough to run:

• A kettle (2–3kW)
• A power drill, saw or angle grinder (1–2kW)
• A portable heater (1–2kW)
• A fridge-freezer (100–400W)
• Multiple smaller devices simultaneously

It is not enough to run a large electric oven or an immersion heater, which typically draw 4–8kW. Think of it as a robust outdoor power source, not a whole-home backup.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 are the most capable V2L vehicles currently sold in the UK, delivering the full 3.6kW with good thermal management during extended discharge sessions.

How much battery does V2L use?

At 3.6kW continuous output, a 77kWh battery (as found in the IONIQ 5 long-range) depletes at roughly 5% per hour. Running a tool for 30 minutes uses around 2.5% of total range. Running a fridge overnight uses around 5–10% depending on ambient temperature. Most owners treat V2L as an occasional feature rather than a daily drain.

Do I need a special cable?

Yes. A V2L discharge cable is not the same as a charging cable. It plugs into the Type 2 inlet on the car but provides a mains socket output on the other end. The electronics inside the cable communicate with the car to initiate discharge mode — a plain charging cable cannot do this.

The socket type on the output end depends on the car. Hyundai and Kia use a proprietary output socket inside the car; BYD and MG use the Type 2 inlet directly. Our V2L cables are available in variants matched to each socket type — confirm yours using the compatibility checker before ordering.

Can I charge another EV using V2L?

Yes, in principle. You connect the V2L cable's mains socket to a portable EVSE (granny charger), and plug that charger into a second EV. The discharge rate of 3.6kW means a second car charges at around 2.3kW — roughly 10 miles of range per hour, enough for an emergency top-up but not practical for a full charge. The battery in the supplying car depletes at the same rate.