How vehicle-to-home charging works — and which EVs support it

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Imagine using your electric vehicle as a backup power source for your home. That’s exactly what vehicle-to-home charging makes possible. It’s one of the most useful features in the EV world right now, and more vehicles support it every year.

Here’s what it is, how it works, and which vehicles can do it in 2026.

What is vehicle-to-home charging?

Vehicle-to-home charging, also called V2H, lets your EV send electricity from its battery back into your house. Instead of only pulling power from the grid, your car becomes a two-way energy source.

This is especially useful during a power outage. If the grid goes down, your EV can keep your lights on, run your refrigerator, and power other essentials. Some setups can power a home for several days on a single charge.

V2H is related to two other terms you may hear. V2L (vehicle-to-load) lets you plug appliances directly into your EV, like a portable power outlet. V2G (vehicle-to-grid) goes a step further, letting your EV send power back to the utility grid. V2H sits in the middle: it powers your home’s circuits through your electrical panel.

What equipment do you need?

V2H doesn’t work with just any charger. You need a special bidirectional charger installed at your home. This charger connects to your electrical panel and manages the flow of power in both directions.

You also need a compatible vehicle. Not every EV supports V2H, even if it supports V2L. The vehicle, the charger, and the home electrical setup all need to work together.

Setup costs vary, but a full V2H installation with a compatible charger and panel work typically runs several thousand dollars beyond the cost of a standard Level 2 charger install.

Which EVs support V2H in 2026?

The list of V2H-capable vehicles has grown, but it’s still not universal. Here are the notable options available now:

Ford F-150 Lightning. The Lightning has been one of the leaders in this space. Paired with the Ford Charge Station Pro, it can send up to 9.6 kW back to your home. Ford confirmed that using the Lightning as a home generator won’t void the battery warranty, which was an important reassurance for buyers. Ford says the Lightning can power a home for up to three days at normal use or ten days at reduced consumption.
Chevrolet Silverado EV. GM has rolled out V2H on the Silverado EV, with up to 10.2 kW of output using the GM Energy PowerShift Charger and V2H Enablement Kit. GM has committed to expanding this capability across its full Ultium vehicle lineup.
Kia EV9. The EV9 supports V2H in select US states, allowing owners to send power back to their home during outages.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Outlander PHEV supports V2H, making it one of the few plug-in hybrids to offer this capability.
Volvo EX90. The EX90 supports bidirectional charging, including V2H functionality.
Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz launched its bidirectional charging technology in 2026, bringing V2H capability to select models in its lineup.
Tesla. Tesla supports V2L across several models and has introduced V2H capability for the Cybertruck and select 2024 and newer Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

V2L: The lighter version

If full V2H feels like overkill, V2L is worth considering. Many more EVs support V2L, which simply lets you plug devices directly into an outlet built into the car. You can run a power tool, charge a laptop, or run a small appliance right from your EV without any special home installation.

Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system is one of the most capable V2L setups available, offering up to 9.6 kW of power from outlets in the bed and cabin.

Is V2H worth it?

That depends on where you live and how often the power goes out. If you’re in an area prone to outages, a V2H-capable EV paired with a bidirectional charger can replace a traditional gas generator entirely. You already own the battery. Adding the ability to use it for your home is a logical extension.

If outages are rare where you live, V2L alone may give you everything you need without the added installation cost.

Either way, bidirectional charging is one of the most compelling arguments for going electric. Your car doesn’t just get you places anymore. It can keep your home running, too.