The Big Question
Can your EV keep the lights on during an outage? For many buyers, that’s one of the first questions they ask. The answer is yes—but only if you have the right vehicle and the right setup. A growing list of EVs now support vehicle-to-home (V2H) tech, turning parked cars into backup batteries that can run homes for days.
Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford’s electric truck has already proven its worth in real-world storms. The F-150 Lightning can deliver up to 9.6 kW back to a home, enough to power essentials. To make it work, you’ll need Ford’s Charge Station Pro and a Home Integration System. Total hardware and installation costs average around $5,000, but the peace of mind can be priceless.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 offers up to 300 miles of range, seven-passenger seating, and full V2H support. When paired with the Wallbox Quasar 2 charger, it can keep a home running for about three days. The hardware is pricey—around $6,440 plus installation—but it transforms the EV9 into both transportation and emergency power source.
GM’s Ultium Lineup
Most Ultium-based GM EVs—including the Silverado, Blazer, Equinox, and Sierra EV—can power homes using GM Energy’s Ultium Home System. The setup requires a Powershift Charger and V2H Enablement Kit, priced at about $12,699. While not cheap, the package integrates cleanly with solar and backup storage, offering a full energy ecosystem.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Cybertruck is Tesla’s only vehicle with official V2H support. Owners with a Powerwall are already covered, while others need a Universal Wall Connector and Powershare Gateway. The additional equipment costs about $3,500. Once installed, the system allows the Cybertruck to step in as a reliable backup.
Beyond the List
What if your EV isn’t on this list? Options like the Sigenergy V2X system now bring V2H capability to popular models, including Tesla’s Model 3 and Y, Kia’s EV6, and Volvo’s EX30. This shows that bi-directional charging is expanding fast, and future updates may unlock even more compatibility.
