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

By EV Charge Cables · Published 3 November 2026

**The short version**

V2L (vehicle-to-load) is available on a growing number of EVs in the UK, most commonly Hyundai, Kia, and BYD models. It lets you plug in tools, appliances and devices through the car's Type 2 inlet, drawing up to 3.6kW. You need a specific discharge cable — not a standard charging cable.

- Not every EV with a Type 2 inlet supports V2L: the car needs dedicated discharge hardware
- Most V2L cars deliver 3.6kW (16A), enough for a kettle, power tool, or portable heater
- You need a V2L discharge cable matched to your car's output socket type

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:

| Manufacturer | Model(s) | V2L output | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hyundai | IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, IONIQ 9 | 3.6kW | Flagship V2L feature since 2021 |
| Kia | EV6, EV9, EV3 | 3.6kW | Shares E-GMP platform with Hyundai |
| BYD | Atto 3, Seal, Dolphin, Sealion 6 | 2.2–3.3kW | Some models limit output below 3.6kW |
| MG | MG4, MG5 (select variants) | 2.2kW | V2L on MG4 Extended Range and Trophy only |
| Volkswagen Group | ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 (market-dependent) | Up to 2.3kW | V2L available in some markets via Plug & Charge V2L — UK availability varies by model year |
| Nissan | LEAF (some 2024+ models), Ariya | 3.0kW (CHAdeMO models) | LEAF V2G/V2L uses CHAdeMO, not Type 2 inlet |
| Ford | F-150 Lightning (not UK), E-Transit | 2.4kW (E-Transit) | US-market F-150 has ProPower Onboard; E-Transit V2L via 230V outlet |
| Genesis | GV60, GV70 EV | 3.6kW | Shares E-GMP with Hyundai/Kia |

This list expands regularly. Check our [V2L compatibility checker](https://www.evchargecable.co.uk/collections/v2l-discharge-cables) 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](https://www.evchargecable.co.uk/collections/v2l-discharge-cables) 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.

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Canonical version: https://www.evchargecable.co.uk/blogs/guides/which-electric-cars-support-v2l

EV Charge Cables, EV charging cables matched to your car: https://www.evchargecable.co.uk. Some links in this article are Amazon affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.