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Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) Explained: Power Your House With Your EV
Quick answerVehicle-to-home lets your EV's battery send electricity back to your house, turning the car into a large backup battery.
Data note: figures are approximate and come from the sources listed at the end. Prices, ranges and rules change often, so confirm with the manufacturer or the official body before you decide. Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026.
The V2X family
| Term | Meaning | What it powers |
|---|---|---|
| V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) | Car sockets power appliances | Tools, camping, small devices |
| V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) | Car feeds the house | Whole home or selected circuits |
| V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) | Car exports to the grid | Grid services, earns income (V2G explained) |
How V2H works
- The EV battery holds DC energy.
- A bidirectional charger converts DC to AC and syncs it with the home.
- A transfer switch isolates the home during an outage, if required.
- Software decides when to use car power versus grid power.
What a typical battery can do
\text{Backup hours} = \frac{\text{usable kWh}}{\text{average home load in kW}}
| EV usable battery | Average home load 1 kW (efficient) | Average home load 2 kW |
|---|---|---|
| 40 kWh | ~40 h | ~20 h |
| 60 kWh | ~60 h | ~30 h |
| 80 kWh | ~80 h | ~40 h |
A home storage battery often holds around 10 to 15 kWh; an EV battery is several times larger.
Benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Backup in outages | Keeps essentials running for days |
| Lower bills | Store cheap energy, use it at peak rates |
| Better solar self-use | Charge in the day, power the home in the evening (solar charging) |
| Fewer extra devices | Reuses the car's battery |
Limits and considerations
- Only certain cars and chargers support bidirectional power.
- Equipment and installation can be costly, often thousands.
- Grid-connection rules and electrician certification vary by country.
- Extra cycling may affect battery warranty; check the manufacturer's terms (battery guide).
- You still need enough charge left to drive.
V2H vs a home battery
| Factor | V2H with EV | Dedicated home battery |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 40–100 kWh | 5–15 kWh |
| Availability | Only when parked at home | Always |
| Cost | Bidirectional charger needed | Battery plus inverter |
| Wear impact | On the car battery | On the home battery |
FAQ
Which EVs support V2H?
A growing list from several manufacturers; always verify the exact model and charger.
Can I use V2L instead?
For tools and appliances yes, but it does not power a house.
Does V2H hurt battery life?
Modest extra cycling can have a small effect, depending on usage and battery management.
Where to verify these figures
Check the car maker's and charger maker's compatibility lists and your utility's interconnection rules. General background: US DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center.