Electric cars with bidirectional charging: which models can keep your home powered during emergencies?

Discover which EVs offer bidirectional charging (V2G/V2H) and how to use your car to support your home during power outages.

Introduction to Bidirectional Charging

The idea of using an electric car as a generator for the home gained prominence with the concept of bidirectional charging, known as V2G or V2H. With this technology, some EVs can supply power during power outages, varying according to battery capacity and household needs.

For those living in areas with an unstable grid or storm seasons, this feature can make a difference in your home and comfort. Below, check out models that already offer or promise this feature.

Ford F-150 Lightning

The F-150 Lightning is associated with Home Backup Power, a feature that transforms the vehicle into a generator for domestic use during blackouts. Ford highlights the capacity to supply enough power for various uses, even comparing it to several Powerwalls in its marketing communication. In 2025, the company announced the discontinuation of the electric F-150 model, which may impact availability, but vehicles already sold can serve as a backup example.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Ioniq 5 uses the E-GMP platform and offers bidirectional charging, with two V2L ports to supply power to appliances. The car can deliver up to 3.6 kW of power. One access is available via the external port, which works even when the vehicle is off—ideal for emergencies; there is also an internal port under the seat, which only works when the car is on.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Also based on the E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 6 delivers a 3.6 kW output with V2L. Like its bigger sibling, it can power appliances and even keep essential items running, even if you don't take the car camping.

Kia EV6

The EV6, the first from the E-GMP line linked to Kia, is more performance-oriented but maintains support for V2L, allowing power usage in emergency situations when necessary.

Kia EV9

The EV9 adds V2L and V2H capability. The marketing strategy in the US focuses on use with the Wallbox Quasar 2 for domestic power, offering a larger backup option without sacrificing bidirectional functions.

Chevrolet Silverado EV

On the Silverado EV, the Ultium platform sustains the generation power. The manufacturer demonstrated up to 9.6 kW of power delivery to power a mansion in Beverly Hills, emphasizing the capacity to support long blackouts.

Nissan Leaf

The Leaf was one of the first to include bidirectionality, especially for CHAdeMO versions. To use it, an appropriate converter, such as the Wallbox Quasar, is necessary, and only approved chargers can maintain the battery warranty. In some markets, approval only occurred in 2022 with the Energy Fermata FE-15.

Tesla Cybertruck

Tesla has historically been cautious about V2G, but the Cybertruck is currently the brand's only model with a Powershare solution for bidirectionality. Those without the specific hardware can still use outlets in the truck bed to power appliances, and integration with Powerwall is possible when available.

Polestar 3

The Polestar 3 is the latest to announce bidirectional charging. V2H support is linked to external partners, with initial operation in California and, internationally, in Australia with V2G. Regarding V2L, official information does not confirm availability for the model.

If you prefer not to rely solely on an EV, there are options for portable power stations that can also cover emergencies at a lower cost.

Conclusion

Bidirectional charging continues to evolve, offering EV owners real backup options for their homes. Which model would you consider for practical daily use? Tell us in the comments what your ideal scenario would be and whether you would invest in this technology.