Powering a home with an EV or Vehicle to Home (V2H) technology is a feature that is becoming increasingly popular in the EV market. Tesla has yet to offer this feature, but CEO Elon Musk has expressed his belief that it’s unlikely to catch on. At Tesla’s 2023 Investors Day, Musk stated that he doesn’t think many people will use bi-directional charging unless they have a Powerwall, as unplugging the car would cause the house to go dark.
Despite this, many grid operators are looking to EVs and their batteries on wheels as a key component of managing grids that are heading towards 100 per cent renewables. Other manufacturers like Hyundai, Kia and BYD are offering V2H in vehicles sold in Australia, but Tesla has yet to follow suit.
Musk went on to explain how bi-directional charging could work with a Powerwall, but insisted it would require a battery storage backup. Tesla’s head of powertrain and energy technology Drew Baglino also noted that the company is in the middle of a power electronics retool that could bring this feature to all of their vehicles within the next two years.
Powerwall has been successful in Australia, and many Tesla owners install one at home as backup storage. With more people buying Tesla EVs in Australia than ever before, it would be welcomed by many future owners to have such a feature. Not only could it be used to power the home, but also to power a campsite when local EV owners go on road trips.
Overall, bi-directional charging is an exciting feature that could revolutionize the way we use EVs. While Elon Musk may not think it will catch on, it could be a great way for Tesla owners to make use of their vehicles and provide power to their homes when the grid goes down.
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
