Tesla PowerShare Explained: Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Supported Vehicles

Tesla’s large traction battery has traditionally only powered the vehicle itself. With PowerShare introduced alongside Cybertruck, that stored energy can now be sent outward to run appliances, tools, or even back up an entire home.

This overview explains how PowerShare works, the differences between Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), where Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) fits in, and which vehicles support each capability. PowerShare is Tesla’s umbrella term for features that let the vehicle export AC power.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)

V2L effectively turns the vehicle into a portable power bank. You can plug common devices and appliances into the vehicle and draw power from its battery—useful at campsites, remote jobsites, or during short outages when you need to keep essential items running. It provides power wherever the car is parked.

Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)

V2H is a more integrated solution that connects the vehicle directly to a home’s electrical panel to provide whole-home backup.

During an outage, a V2H setup can automatically take over and power the house for days, offering peace of mind similar to a dedicated home battery such as Powerwall.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

Tesla has begun supporting V2G, which lets owners sell energy from their vehicles back to the grid.

With bidirectional charging hardware, the vehicle can serve as mobile energy storage to help stabilize the grid while owners receive compensation through utility programs.

The program is currently available in Texas and California.

Supported Vehicles & Capabilities

As of 2026, PowerShare support is limited to two vehicles. Here is a comparison of what’s offered today:

*The short-lived Cybertruck LR RWD has no onboard outlets and must use the Powershare Outlet Adapter, similar to the Model Y Performance.

**The outlet adapter can also be used on any Cybertruck to add an additional outlet, bringing it up to a total of 6 outlets. V2L will still be limited to a 9.6kW maximum output.

What You Need: The Hardware

The hardware varies depending on whether you want basic V2L or full V2H.

Cybertruck includes built-in 120V and 240V outlets for V2L. For the new Model Y Performance or Model Y L, the PowerShare Outlet Adapter is required.

The Outlet Adapter connects to the Mobile Connector in place of the usual plug head and provides a standard 120V 20A outlet similar to a household receptacle.

For V2H, a more permanent installation is needed and requires a Cybertruck. PowerShare Home Backup hardware includes the Universal Wall Connector for bidirectional power and the Tesla Gateway*. The Gateway isolates the home from the grid during outages to prevent backfeeding and automatically switches to vehicle power.

*While Tesla still hasn’t enabled V2H PowerShare for Powerwall users, Powerwall V3 will take the place of the Tesla Gateway for those specific setups.

How to Use It

PowerShare V2L and V2H can be managed in the Tesla App or from the vehicle. Equipped vehicles add an Outlets menu that controls PowerShare, Accessory Power, Low Power Mode, and related options.

Within this menu, you can set a Reserve for Driving limit—a minimum state of charge to preserve for trips. The vehicle will stop exporting power when it reaches this level so you maintain driving range.

The Outlets menu also shows real-time power draw and, on Cybertruck, the status of individual outlets. In the Tesla App, the Controls section offers a quick view of whether outlets are enabled.

The Future of PowerShare

Adding V2L to Model Y Performance and Model Y L suggests Tesla plans to extend PowerShare to more models over time, likely alongside future refreshes.

Full V2H home backup and V2G are more complex and are expected to remain Cybertruck-only for now. Installation of the Gateway represents a notable up-front cost that may be a barrier for some owners.

Today, PowerShare expands a Tesla’s role from transportation to a versatile energy resource, enhancing the utility of owning an EV.