Vehicle-to-home backup
Bidirectional EV charging: use your EV to power your home
Your EV carries more energy than most home batteries. With the right charger and transfer equipment, it can keep your home running when the grid goes down.
Three ways an EV can share power
Vehicle-to-home (V2H)
Your EV powers your home through a bidirectional charger and transfer equipment during an outage. This is what most home systems do today.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L)
Outlets on the vehicle run tools or appliances with extension cords. Handy, but not connected to your home's wiring.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
Your EV sends power back to the grid. It needs utility approval, and most utilities do not offer it for homes yet.
Compatibility
Which EVs can power a home
Home backup needs a bidirectional charger approved by your automaker. Here is what each system needs today.
| Automaker | Vehicles | What you need | Backup power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla | Cybertruck. Model 3 and Model Y ordered in the US from October 1, 2026 (some earlier cars may work). | Powershare with a Powerwall 3 and a compatible Tesla Wall Connector | Up to 11.5 kW on Model 3 and Model Y |
| Ford | F-150 Lightning | Ford Charge Station Pro and the Home Integration System | Up to 9.6 kW |
| GM | Chevrolet Silverado EV, Blazer EV and Equinox EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac Lyriq and Escalade IQ | GM Energy V2H bundle: bidirectional charger and V2H Enablement Kit | Up to 9.6 kW |
| DC systems | Compatible CCS EVs. Check your model with us. | Sigenergy SigenStor with the EV DC charging module | Charges at up to 25 kW |
From automaker and manufacturer information, checked October 2026. Support depends on model year and software. We confirm your vehicle before we design.
What we handle
- Load calculation and any panel or service upgrade
- Bidirectional charger and transfer equipment
- Permits, inspection and utility paperwork
- Backup circuits chosen around what you need to run
- Solar and a home battery, so your EV can recharge during a long outage
Pair it with home battery backup or solar for your home.
Tesla Powershare
Paperwork your inspector will ask for
Powershare lets a Cybertruck back up your home through the Universal Wall Connector and Powerwall 3. Inspectors are still getting used to bidirectional charging, so we bring Tesla's technical paper for authorities having jurisdiction to the permit review.
Powershare paper for inspectors (PDF)
All product documentsBidirectional charging questions
How long can my EV power my home?
It depends on your battery size and what you run. A large EV battery can cover essentials like the furnace, fridge, sump pump and lights for days. We help you pick the backup circuits.
Do I need solar or a home battery?
Not for the Ford and GM systems. Tesla Powershare needs a Powerwall 3. Solar lets you recharge your EV during a long outage.
Can my EV sell power back to the grid?
Not yet for most homes. Utilities have to approve vehicle-to-grid, and most do not offer it for homes today. Net metering still credits power from your solar panels.
Will my regular Level 2 charger work?
No. Home backup needs a bidirectional charger approved by your automaker, plus equipment that disconnects your home from the grid during an outage.