Vehicle-to-Load Australia

A >$1000 Vehicle-to-Load Solution that’s Available Right Now?

Our electricians very recently installed a mono-directional V2L solution that has enabled this customer to use their electric vehicle battery as a power source to power appliances during events like blackouts for backup electricity… that solution is a changeover switch.

A changeover switch is essentially an electrical switch that controls what load to source from, and switches between them depending on what user wants, minimising downtime.

He had previously invested in a solar and battery system with a GoodWe solar inverter, an LG battery, and a GoodWe EV charger to charge their Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle.

To further their energy capabilities, the customer opted in to install a changeover switch next to their system, to be able to plug a generator in, or connect their electric vehicle which has vehicle-to-load capability like we’re starting to see in newer EVs.

Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group

How Effective is Vehicle-to-Load to Power a Home?

As opposed to the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s 3.6kW V2L capacity via a bidirectional charger, the inlet socket is 15A (single-phase) and won’t be able to power an entire house. however, it gives the homeowner the option to alternatively power appliances with the flick of a switch.

Installing a changeover switch is relatively cheap too, especially when compared to the $10,000 Wallbox Quasar. This may open up some opportunity for those who just want a simple backup electricity solution using their EVs' energy.

A Strong Desire for Backup Electricity During Outages

We get a lot of comments and enquiries on how vehicle-to-home will be a good way to power during grid outages, which indicates to us that there is a strong desire for energy security, not just in costs, but in supply.

In a recent multi-day blackout in our area, we saw many homes frantically buying generators and portable batteries just to avoid food from spoiling. This sort of investment would help homes access numerous options to keep electricity flowing where needed, whether it be from your EV battery, or a generator.

By being able to walk out to your garage during a grid outage, plug in your car, make sure V2L functionality is enabled, and flick the changeover switch, you’ll probably wonder why more homes don’t have this feature.

Courtesy of Tamara B on Pexels

I Can’t Afford a Battery, Should I Get a Changeover Switch instead?

Installing a changeover switch/generator inlet plug can be an excellent alternative for those who desire backup electricity and can't get a battery.

Whilst it may look like it from the images, a solar/inverter system is not required to take advantage of this feature. The DC energy inversion from the battery happens from the onboard EV inverter, where it is converted to AC to power appliances.

As much as we’d love to have it, you unfortunately can’t charge your EV from solar and use V2L at the same time.

What are the Downsides to this Vehicle-to-Load Workaround?

A changeover switch setup isn’t designed for day-to-day usage, as there may be a bit of setting up to get things going on the electric vehicle end. Depending on what EV you own, you may have to enable V2L exports.

Because of the 15A limitations, your EV will only be able to power a few appliances like fridges, and is not designed to be an entire house power source like vehicle-to-home is set to be.

In what Situation is a Changeover Switch Ideal?

We definitely think a changeover switch is great for a few reasons, like a simple way to connect a generator and keep things running, or if you have an V2L-capable electric vehicle.

Homes with solar and battery systems, also referred to as microgrids, could also be complimented with a V2L solution like this installation. Solar would enable you to generate your own energy, then store it in dedicated energy storage, with your EV acting as an emergency backup in the case of home battery drainage.

If you’re not worried about grid outages or having energy independence, then a changeover switch might be irrelevant to you.

Should I get a Changeover Switch or wait until V2H Chargers?

Waiting for vehicle-to-home chargers to be available can be a good choice for those wanting an all-in-one unit that can both charge and discharge your EV battery when required, however, even with a bidirectional charger, a changeover switch would still be useful for generator applications.

For extended blackouts where charging your EV is not available, having an emergency generator supply could be a great peace of mind solution in addition to V2H electricity supply.

So, if you were to install a changeover switch today, and then a bidirectional charger later on, it would still be useful for backup applications.

Courtesy of Matt Jerome Connor on Pexels