The mainstream version of Tesla’s best-selling electric crossover now allows owners to draw power from its battery, years after Hyundai and other automakers included the feature as standard.
Vehicle-to-load capability has arrived on the Model Y Premium in the United States and Puerto Rico. The car can export up to 2.4 kilowatts through an optional $80 adapter that plugs into the mobile charger included with every purchase. Two 120-volt outlets on the adapter deliver a combined 20 amperes.
An overdue addition with caveats
Tesla has not announced the change on its official channels, though the online configurator now lists the adapter as a cost-extra option for the Model Y Premium. The feature remains unavailable on versions sold in Canada and Europe.
V2L first appeared on the Cybertruck, then on the Model Y Performance late last year. The recently introduced Model Y L included it at launch. The Premium’s update means only the base Model Y and all Model 3 variants still lack the feature.
The output is modest. It powers essential appliances during a blackout but little else. Tesla also does not offer vehicle-to-home integration, so owners must use a long extension cord to supply power indoors. Other electric vehicles often include built-in outlets and higher output. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, for instance, has provided V2L at up to 3.6 kW since 2021, with the adapter included at no extra cost.
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Most drivers will not use the feature daily. Yet it becomes valuable during unexpected outages. A car that keeps a fridge running or charges medical devices serves a purpose beyond transportation. Tesla’s gradual rollout and the adapter’s extra cost indicate it views the capability as a premium perk rather than a standard utility.
Reasons for the delay
Tesla has been slow to enable V2L functionality on its vehicles. Despite being the biggest player in the EV market in the United States, the company first introduced the feature with the Cybertruck. The 2.4 kW output limit could reduce strain on the battery and electrical system.
The adapter is a small box with two outlets that replaces the wall connector on the mobile charger. The design matches the one used for the Cybertruck and other Model Y variants, but the $80 price feels unnecessary when competitors include the feature at no charge. The lack of built-in outlets in the Model Y also forces owners to carry an extra piece of equipment.
For now, the feature is available only on the Premium trim. Tesla has not indicated whether it will extend V2L to the base Model Y or the Model 3, leaving many owners without a tool that could prove critical during emergencies.
