V2L
V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) is one of the biggest advantages of traveling in an electric car. This feature allows the car to transform into a generator, providing power for nearly any electrical device, enhancing autonomy. The IONIQ 5 delivers about 18 amps at 120 volts, equivalent to a standard household outlet. This power is more than enough to run my camping gear and other electronic devices for work.
During the trip, the following equipment was either permanently connected or used as needed:
- Electric cooler
- Nespresso machine
- Induction cooktop
- Charger for the EUC
- Starlink (Standard Kit)
- Computer
- iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch Charger
Typical use
I’m listing here some typical use cases for the V2L:
Whether it's for cooking or making a coffee, electricity is always available. Sometimes I arrive at a beautiful place where I want to stay longer than planned. Perfect, I treat myself to dinner! I have everything I need to prepare a good hot meal, no matter where I am—by a lake, in a national park, at a rest area, or a Walmart parking lot! And what about the possibility of having an espresso anywhere, anytime? That’s freedom 😉.
With an electric cooler, I can keep my food fresh at all times. Fruits and vegetables, dairy products, bread, eggs—any food that needs to stay cool.
When I’m driving or in utility mode for the night, the cooler is plugged into the car's 12V outlet. The rest of the time, when I’m parked, it’s connected to the V2L. When I’m camping or in any location without electricity, I plug the cooler into the V2L. I can even visit a place where I have to leave the car in a parking lot under the sun for several hours.
The expression 'remote working' has never been more accurate. With the V2L combined with a Starlink system, I can turn the car into an office ready for a video conference session in less than 5 minutes.
Wiring
A short electrical extension is secured under the platform. At one end, the Starlink router, the wheel charger, the laptop power supply, the electric cooler power supply, and finally a power strip for accessories that I need to plug in, such as the espresso machine and the induction cooktop, are permanently connected. When I stop, I plug the other end of the extension cord into the V2L adapter. As soon as I connect it, all the devices plugged in start working.
If I’m at a campsite where electricity is provided, I plug the same cord into the campground’s electrical outlet instead of the V2L.
Charging Port Lights
During the night, the indicator lights on the charging port of the IONIQ 5 can be distracting. In the darkness, the brightness is too intense. So, I created a light cover to block it.
Power consumption
The amount of energy consumed by all these devices on a daily basis is minimal compared to the capacity of the car's battery. Let's take a typical day where the cooler, Starlink, and electronic equipment are continuously plugged in for 12 hours, and I use the induction cooktop to prepare three meals and the coffee machine to make three Nespresso capsules; in total, this will take about 2% of the battery.
Some of the items referenced in this article can be found by following the links below.
Purchased Equipment:
– Lectron Adapter https://ev-lectron.com/products/lectron-v2l-adapter-compatible-with-hyundai-ioniq-5-vehicle-to-load-adapter-power-your-devices-with-your-ioniq-5-black-1-pack?_pos=3&_fid=83f73ec48&_ss=c
– Mini Power Cord https://amzn.to/3YstI5f
– Mini power strip https://amzn.to/48CYo77
Custom-Made Equipment:
– Power Cord Clip https://www.printables.com/model/1062512-power-cord-clip
– Light cover https://www.printables.com/model/1062828-ioniq-5-light-cover
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