V2L: the extension-cord version
Many newer EVs and electric trucks have outlets in the cabin or bed, or an adapter that turns the charge port into an outlet. That’s V2L. It will run a fridge, a space heater, a sump pump or power tools on extension cords. It needs no installation and has no connection to your house wiring.
It’s useful, but it isn’t home backup. Never back-feed a house panel through a “suicide cord.” It can electrocute utility crews and burn the house down.
V2H: your car as a home battery
V2H connects the car to your home through a bidirectional charger and switching equipment that islands the house from the grid during an outage, just like a stationary battery. When the grid drops, the house disconnects and the car’s battery powers your circuits. When power returns, the car goes back to charging.
The appeal is size. Many EV batteries hold several times what one stationary home battery does, from roughly 50 to well over 100 kWh depending on the model. Even keeping a healthy reserve for driving, that can carry essential loads through a multi-day shutoff, especially with solar topping things up.
V2G: selling power back
V2G lets the utility or a program operator draw on your car’s battery during grid peaks, usually for a payment. The hardware may support it, but V2G needs your utility’s interconnection approval and a program that pays for it. Ask us what your utility currently allows before you count on V2G income.
The system we install: Sigenergy’s bidirectional DC charger
Our V2H path is Sigenergy’s SigenStor EV DC charging module, which stacks into a SigenStor home battery system. Sigenergy rates it at 25 kW bidirectional charging and says it supports both V2H and V2G. Because it’s DC-coupled, solar can charge the car directly without extra conversion steps.
Pricing: complete bidirectional whole-home backup systems start at $19,000. If you’re already getting a SigenStor battery, adding the bidirectional charger is $3,500. Sigenergy says a SigenStor battery combined with an EV can exceed 100 kWh of backup capacity. Your usable amount depends on your car and the driving reserve you set.
Vehicle compatibility: read the fine print
Bidirectional charging only works if the car allows it, and automakers control that with hardware and software. Sigenergy’s own wording: V2X functionality is limited by the EV’s capabilities, and whether it can be fully used may depend on the vehicle’s software settings and local regulations.
Sigenergy publishes a list of vehicles it has field-tested with the charger. As of September 2026, U.S. and Canadian entries include the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Rivian R1T and R1S, Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 and eSprinter, Volvo EX40, Nissan Ariya, Polestar 2, and several Tesla models on the NACS connector. Sigenergy states these are its own tests, not endorsed or verified by any vehicle manufacturer. Before you buy, we confirm your specific model, model year and software, and you should check with your automaker how bidirectional use affects your vehicle and battery warranty.
Is V2H right for you?
V2H makes the most sense if you already own or are buying a compatible EV, the car is usually home when outages hit (evenings, overnight, shutoff days announced in advance), and you want a large backup reserve without paying for a large stationary battery.
It’s a weaker fit if the car is often away during the hours you need backup, if your vehicle isn’t on the tested list, or if you need guaranteed backup for medical equipment. For that last case, a stationary battery that’s always home is the safer core, and V2H can extend it.
FAQ
Questions we hear
What’s the difference between V2H and V2G?
V2H powers your own house from the car, typically during an outage. V2G sends power from the car to the utility grid, which requires utility approval and usually a compensation program.
Which EVs work with Sigenergy’s bidirectional charger?
Sigenergy lists vehicles it has field-tested, including the Ford F-150 Lightning, Kia EV6, Rivian R1T and several Tesla models in North America. These are Sigenergy’s own tests, not automaker endorsements, so we confirm your exact model and software before quoting.
How much does whole-home EV backup cost?
Our bidirectional whole-home backup systems start at $19,000. If you’re already installing a SigenStor battery, adding the bidirectional charger is $3,500.
Will using my EV to power my home void its warranty?
It depends on the automaker. Some explicitly support bidirectional use and some limit it. Check your vehicle’s warranty terms with the manufacturer before relying on V2H.
Can I use V2L instead of installing anything?
For a few appliances on extension cords, yes. V2L isn’t a home backup system, though, and it should never be wired into your panel without a proper transfer or islanding device.
Do I need a home battery too?
The Sigenergy bidirectional charger works as part of a SigenStor system with a battery. A stationary battery also covers outages when the car is away.