Vehicle-to-home (V2H) lets a compatible EV power your house during an outage. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) lets it send power back to the electricity grid when the grid needs it. Both rely on bidirectional charging, where power flows out of the car as well as in. A growing number of EVs support some form of it, but you need specific vehicles, specific chargers and in most cases extra home equipment. V2H for backup power is available today. V2G in Canada is still mostly at the pilot stage.
Key takeaways
- V2L (vehicle-to-load) powers tools and appliances from outlets on the car. It's the simplest and most common form.
- V2H backs up your home through a bidirectional charger and transfer equipment. It's available today on select models.
- V2G sends power to the grid. Canadian utilities are piloting it, but it isn't widely offered yet.
- A full EV battery holds several times more energy than a typical home battery. It could run essential loads for days.
- Setup costs are typically well above a standard Level 2 charger install.
The three flavours of bidirectional power
| Vehicle-to-load (V2L) | Vehicle-to-home (V2H) | Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it powers | Devices plugged into the car | Your home's circuits | The utility grid |
| Equipment needed | Built-in outlets or an adapter | Bidirectional charger, transfer switch or home integration system | Bidirectional charger plus utility approval and program |
| Main use | Camping, job sites, power tools, short outages | Backup power during outages | Grid support, possible payments or bill credits |
| Status in Canada | Common on many new EVs | Available on select models | Mostly pilots |
V2L: the easy one
Many EVs now offer V2L through outlets in the cabin or bed, or a special adapter on the charge port. It's great for camping, tailgating, running power tools or keeping a fridge and sump pump going with extension cords during an outage. Never backfeed a home through a regular outlet. It's dangerous for you and for utility workers.
V2H: backup power for your home
V2H connects the car to your home's electrical system through a bidirectional charger. During an outage, equipment isolates your home from the grid and the car powers your circuits. A typical EV battery holds roughly 60–130 kWh. A typical home battery holds 10–15 kWh. That's enough to keep essential loads, like the furnace fan, fridge, lights and internet, running for several days if you're careful.
Examples of manufacturer V2H systems that have been offered in North America include Ford's system for the F-150 Lightning, GM Energy's offerings for some Ultium-based EVs, Kia's V2H support for the EV9 and Tesla's Powershare for the Cybertruck. Availability, approved equipment and pricing in Canada vary by brand and province, so confirm with the manufacturer and a local installer.
V2G: the car as a grid resource
V2G goes one step further. When demand peaks, a utility or aggregator can draw a little power from many plugged-in EVs, then recharge them later when demand is low. Thousands of cars working together could act like a large, flexible power plant.
In Ontario, Hydro One has piloted V2H with Peak Power, with funding from the province's grid operator (IESO) through its Grid Innovation Fund. The pilot is testing how EVs can support reliability during outages and periods of grid stress. Other Canadian utilities and researchers are running their own trials. Widespread consumer V2G programs aren't common yet.
What you'd need for V2H
- A compatible vehicle. Not all EVs support bidirectional charging, and some only support V2L.
- A compatible bidirectional charger approved by the automaker.
- Transfer or islanding equipment so your home disconnects safely from the grid during an outage.
- An electrician and permits. This is more complex than a standard charger install. See our home charger installation guide for the basics.
- Utility notification or approval, depending on your province and setup.
Approximate costs vary widely. A V2H setup commonly costs several thousand dollars more than a standard Level 2 install, and sometimes much more if panel or service upgrades are needed.
How it fits with solar and home batteries
V2H pairs naturally with rooftop solar. Panels charge the car during the day, and the car powers the house in the evening or during an outage. Compared to a stationary home battery:
- Pros: much more storage, and you already own the battery
- Cons: the car isn't home all the time, it needs special equipment, and backup power is only available when the car is parked and connected
Some households use both: a smaller home battery for always-on backup, and the car for extended outages. Our post on charging your EV with solar panels explains how the pieces work together.
Does V2H wear out the car's battery?
Using your EV battery for occasional backup power adds some extra cycling. For outage use a few times a year, the impact is likely small. Regular daily V2G cycling would add more wear. Check your battery warranty terms, since some manufacturers specify how bidirectional use affects coverage. Use only approved equipment.
Is it worth it today?
V2H can make sense if:
- You live where outages are common, such as rural areas or regions with frequent ice storms or wildfires
- You already have or plan to buy a compatible EV
- You want backup power without a gas generator
For many others, it may be worth waiting as equipment gets cheaper, more vehicles add support and utility programs mature. If you're planning a new charger now, ask your electrician about leaving room for bidirectional equipment later. Our whole-home upgrade sequence can help you plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can any EV power my house?
No. Only vehicles that support bidirectional charging, together with automaker-approved equipment, can safely power a home. Many EVs offer V2L outlets, which run individual devices but don't connect to your home's wiring.
How long could an EV power my home?
It depends on the battery size and what you run. Essential loads might use 10–20 kWh a day, so a large EV battery could cover several days. Running electric heat or air conditioning would use it up much faster.
Will my utility pay me for V2G?
Not usually yet. V2G programs in Canada are mainly pilots. As programs develop, utilities may offer credits or payments for letting them use EV batteries during peak demand.
The bottom line
Bidirectional charging turns an EV from just transportation into a home energy asset. V2L is already common, V2H backup power is available on select models, and V2G is being tested by Canadian utilities. If resilience matters to you, it's worth putting on your EV shortlist. For more on how storage fits into the energy transition, see the future of clean energy.
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