Which Electric Cars Can Power Your Home? UK V2L and V2H Car List (2026)
Can your electric car power appliances or your home? Check the UK models with vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability. This guide is a starting point, not a guarantee that every trim, model year or UK installation supports the feature.
Last updated: 24 October 2026
First: V2L is not the same as V2H
V2L lets you plug individual appliances into a compatible car using its built-in socket or approved adaptor. V2H uses a suitable bidirectional charger, changeover and electrical protection to supply household circuits. V2G exports electricity to the grid. A car listed for V2L cannot automatically power the whole house.
Electric cars with V2L or emerging bidirectional capability
Check the exact UK model year, trim, manufacturer handbook and approved adaptor or charger. This is a guide to models to investigate, not a guarantee of home backup capability.
Manufacturer | Models to check | Capability / important note |
Hyundai | IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, IONIQ 9, KONA Electric, INSTER | V2L on supported UK versions; check trim |
Kia | EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, EV9, Niro EV, EV2, PV5 | V2L on supported versions; check specification |
MG | MG4 EV, MGS5 EV | V2L on selected versions |
BYD | ATTO 2, ATTO 3, DOLPHIN, DOLPHIN SURF, SEAL, SEAL U | V2L on selected versions |
Renault | 5 E-Tech, 4 E-Tech, Megane E-Tech, Scenic E-Tech | V2L or bidirectional functions vary by version and market |
Nissan | LEAF (selected generations), Micra (new electric version) | Legacy LEAF bidirectional CHAdeMO differs from V2L; confirm UK equipment |
Dacia | Spring | V2L on selected versions |
Genesis | GV60, Electrified GV70, Electrified G80 | V2L on supported versions |
Other makes | Jeep Avenger Electric; CUPRA Born; Ford Explorer EV; Peugeot E-208; Citroen e-C4; Vauxhall Corsa Electric | Manufacturer verification needed; not all UK versions support V2L |
Emerging V2H / V2G | Selected Nissan LEAF, Volkswagen ID., Renault, Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, BMW and Polestar models | Not confirmed as plug-and-play UK home backup; charger, software and islanding essential |
Which cars can actually power household circuits (V2H)?
UK V2H remains much more restricted than V2L. The Nissan LEAF has a history of bidirectional CHAdeMO projects, while Renault 5 E-Tech, some Volkswagen ID. variants, Kia EV9, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and other newer vehicles have announced or emerging bidirectional capability. Whether a specific UK vehicle can operate a complete V2H system, especially during a power cut, depends on the car, software, approved charger and island-mode installation. Do not assume it is available simply because a brochure says bidirectional.
How much power can V2L provide?
Many V2L systems provide roughly 2.3–3.7 kW, but limits vary. A fridge, router, LED lights or small appliance may be suitable, while electric showers, immersion heaters and high-power heaters can exceed the rating. Always observe the manufacturer’s maximum output and battery reserve.
Could it run for days or weeks?
A 60 kWh battery with 20% kept for driving and 90% delivery efficiency offers an illustrative 43.2 kWh. At 6.85 kWh per day this is about six days. With extremely low essential consumption, the theoretical duration could be much longer, but standby loads, vehicle limits and real-world losses matter.
How to check your own car
Find your exact model year and trim; look in the manufacturer handbook for V2L, external power supply or bidirectional charging; confirm the approved UK adaptor or charger and output limit; and ask whether the equipment can work safely during a power cut. For V2H, consult a qualified installer before buying hardware.
Important safety advice
Never feed a car or portable inverter into a domestic socket or fixed household wiring. Whole-home backup needs professional design, safe grid isolation and the appropriate electrical protection.
About this list
This is a UK-focused guide prepared in October 2026. Features may be optional, region-specific or not yet enabled. It deliberately separates practical V2L from more limited V2H availability. Check manufacturer specifications before relying on any car for emergency electricity.
