Checking in from north of Asheville. We’re dealing with a major disaster here, and recovery will take years. I’ve been using my Ford Lightning’s V2H capability to power my refrigerator, well pump, and a neighborhood freezer for medications. This has made a huge difference in our quality of life compared to my neighbors with EVs that don’t have V2H. If you have the opportunity to get a vehicle with V2H, I highly recommend it. We don’t have the Ford Station Pro—just using extension cords. This experience has shown the importance of V2H in an emergency.
The person with the Ioniq could use a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) adapter, but it’s not as powerful as the Lightning’s V2H.
martin said:
The person with the Ioniq could use a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) adapter, but it’s not as powerful as the Lightning’s V2H.
Yes, it was on his list, but he never got around to it.
I used a $200 inverter connected to my Chevy Bolt to power my house for a week after an ice storm. It’s a good budget option for V2L.
Ronald said:
I used a $200 inverter connected to my Chevy Bolt to power my house for a week after an ice storm. It’s a good budget option for V2L.
Did the same with my ID.4. ‘Bootleg’ V2L takes a bit more setup but is still effective.
In my neighborhood, four of us with F-150s (two PowerBoosts and two Lightnings) became power hubs during an outage. We shared our refrigerators and power with others until utility power was restored.
I’m in Tallahassee and wouldn’t want to face a hurricane without an EV. I have two Teslas, and while they don’t have V2H, they’re great for charging devices and staying cool. It’s a lifesaver compared to the chaos of looking for gas.
Given how useful V2H is in emergencies, I’d support a federal mandate or an incentive for EVs to have this feature. It takes strain off emergency response and helps communities recover.
Michael said:
Given how useful V2H is in emergencies, I’d support a federal mandate or an incentive for EVs to have this feature. It takes strain off emergency response and helps communities recover.
Absolutely. These capabilities are vital during disasters.
Can you still go somewhere to charge your truck?
Mark said:
Can you still go somewhere to charge your truck?
My Ioniq 5 can run a fridge and freezer for 12 days on a full charge. The Lightning’s larger battery could last even longer.
If the Ioniq 5/6 has the interior V2L outlet (Limited trim), that’s an option, but the charge-port V2L adapter is a separate purchase.
izael said:
If the Ioniq 5/6 has the interior V2L outlet (Limited trim), that’s an option, but the charge-port V2L adapter is a separate purchase.
Only the Limited trim has the interior outlet. Other trims need the adapter.
We’re also on a well and experienced a weeklong outage recently. I used the Ioniq 5’s V2L, but it can’t handle my well pump. Looking into solar or larger battery options.
diallo said:
We’re also on a well and experienced a weeklong outage recently. I used the Ioniq 5’s V2L, but it can’t handle my well pump. Looking into solar or larger battery options.
A power station like a BLUETTI might work as a buffer for those surges.
None of the big news outlets are covering how useful EVs are in disasters. Even a basic Ioniq 5 with V2L can keep a fridge running, which is a huge cost savings.
Is it really saving the neighborhood or just your house?
Peggy said:
Is it really saving the neighborhood or just your house?
He’s storing neighbors’ medications and providing water. It’s definitely making a community impact.