Why you shouldn't specify Vehicle to Load V2L on your Electric car

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality in electric vehicles is often an overpriced optional feature that offers limited practical use compared to a portable power bank. The speaker argues that unless V2L is included as a standard feature, it's generally a waste of money due to its limited range, high cost, and the likelihood that the car will be sold or leased before the feature is used extensively. Portable power banks provide a more flexible, affordable, and versatile alternative for accessing portable power.

V2L's Limited Use

• 00:01:04 V2L's main drawback is its limited range, confined to the vehicle's location and the extension cord's reach. This makes it less practical than a portable battery that can be taken anywhere, offering greater usability in different settings.

V2L's Cost

• 00:01:31 The speaker highlights the high cost of V2L as an option on electric vehicles, citing £500 for a Hyundai Ioniq. This price point is considered excessive for a feature that may not be used often, especially in scenarios like leasing or reselling the vehicle.

Portable Battery as Alternative

• 00:02:49 The speaker strongly advocates for using a portable battery as an alternative to V2L. He emphasizes the flexibility and versatility offered by a portable power source, allowing for use at home, in gardens, or on campsites, providing a wider range of applications.

V2L Should be Standard Feature

• 00:04:38 The speaker believes V2L should be a standard feature in electric vehicles, like USB or 12V sockets. However, he emphasizes that he wouldn't personally pay extra as an option because of its limited usefulness and high cost. This demonstrates his perspective on the feature's inherent value proposition.