V2L is when a battery electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle uses its battery to power external devices such as fridges, freezers, hair dryers, coffee makers or other small appliances. It can be used in many situations where there is little to no power supply.

You may be asking yourself, “What can I use my EV’s V2L capabilities to power?”

The answer is just about anything that you plug into a wall socket in your house can be powered by your electric vehicle! Many popular EVs can operate power tools, heaters, electric stoves, computers and much more. This provides a portable power source for camping equipment, outdoor events, and many other instances where you would need a portable power source.

V2L provides flexibility by eliminating the need for separate generators or power banks, streamlining the number of devices and equipment needed for various tasks. Another neat benefit is using an EV’s battery to power other devices can lead to cost savings and increased efficiency.  In the future, V2L technology could be used to power appliances, potentially reducing electricity bills if paired with time-of-use rate plans. Owners with solar panels could also store excess energy in their EV and use it later via V2L, maximizing the use of renewable energy and reducing reliance on the grid.

You might wonder, “How long can my car power devices without being charged?”

The length of time your car can power external devices will depend largely on the size of the battery and the draw of your appliances. The smallest battery, like that of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, would only power a small or medium-sized appliance for a short time before it would need to be recharged. However, a bi-directional charging battery electric vehicle like the Ford F-150 Lightning would have enough energy to keep an average Canadian home powered for three whole days!

Embracing the V2L capabilities of an EV not only enhances the versatility and functionality of the vehicle, but it also opens a world of new possibilities. Whether you’re seeking convenience, cost savings or a reliable backup power source, V2L technology ensures that your EV is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a powerful tool for modern living.

After four years offering Nova Scotians the chance to feel the thrill of driving electric, the team’s sharing some of our favourite highlights about the car that’s been here from the start with Next Ride.

Zevvy’s impact in numbers

In four years of test drives and tours around Nova Scotia, Zevvy has racked up an impressive set of stats. Zevvy’s odometer currently sits at 48,000 kilometres. That’s the equivalent of driving from Yarmouth to the very tip of Cape Breton 82 times!

The cost of that mileage? Zevvy mainly charges in our Dartmouth office with some top ups from Level 3 chargers on longer journeys. We estimate that the total cost to charge our beloved colleague since they’ve joined Next Ride is around $1,800—seems like a steal of a deal, doesn’t it?

EVs were originally released in the form of small and compact sedans but they have since evolved to larger sedans, SUVs, trucks, hatchbacks and even e-bikes! You’ll find EVs on farms, in your neighbour’s driveway, in company fleets and everywhere in between. There are also electric tractors and pickup trucks that farmers worldwide are using to revolutionize their operations and reduce their fuel expenses over the long term.

EVs even work for large families. Need some extra space or leg room for your passengers? Models such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or the Hyundai Ioniq 5, might just do the trick.

Maybe you like to travel light and prefer a small, trendy car? Well, you’ve guessed it! There is an EV for that purpose too, like the Chevy Bolt or the Mini Cooper SE3.

Perhaps you’re looking for a higher end, luxury experience, then a Tesla may be for you. Some EVs even allow you to camp in them like the Nissan Pop-Top Electric Campervans and the Volkswagen Type 20.   Who doesn’t love a multifaceted vehicle? Have we shared enough that you believe that EVs are so much more than just sedans?

As electric technology develops and innovates this will continue to impact the evolution of EV models. To learn more about current EVs that qualify for provincial and federal rebates visit  EV Assist.

How EV batteries work

A battery is made up of one of more cells and individual battery cells are connected to each other and monitored by a dedicated electronic circuit.

In an EV, the battery produces electricity which directly powers the vehicle’s systems. Unlike disposable alkaline batteries, which are used in flashlights and remote controls, EV batteries are rechargeable and can be used for many years.

What EV batteries are made of

The chemistry of an EV battery varies among manufacturers. However, there are three main types of rechargeable batteries:

• Lead-acid batteries, which were invented in, and have been used since, the 19th century.
• Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which have seen commercial use since the 1980s.
• Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which came into commercial use in the 1990s. There are also lithium-ion polymer batteries, which are a variation of lithium-ion batteries.

How batteries in EVs compare to batteries in gas-powered vehicles

In an EV, the battery is located on the bottom, centered between the wheels.  There are two separate batteries—12-Volt auxiliary batteries that powers a vehicle’s accessories and, traction battery packs that store electricity for use by the traction motor.

EVs also have thermal cooling systems to keep the battery at an optimal temperature. They also have internal computers and converters to monitor the intake of electricity. Their batteries are easy to charge by plugging in any ordinary outlet. You can find out more about EV charging by watching out our video.

In gas-powered vehicles, batteries are usually located just under the hood. The main purpose of the batteries is to start the engine and power vehicle electronics/accessories. When the battery of a gas-powered car dies, it is more difficult to charge than in an EV.

Now you know more about EV batteries and how they compare to those in gas-powered cars! To learn more about EVs, sign up for a test drive with one of our experts at Next Ride.

But how do the two differ in terms of maintenance costs and energy efficiency? Let’s dig into it:

Maintenance costs

ICE engines contain over 2000 moving parts, contributing to high maintenance costs over total ownership. All that moving means more repairs and replacements for those parts. The motor in EVs have fewer than 40 moving parts, greatly alleviating maintenance costs.

Energy efficiency

Electric motors are much more efficient than internal combustion engines. Their engines use roughly 12-30 per cent of the energy to move vehicle, while the rest is lost as heat. In comparison, electric motors use upwards of 90 per cent of the energy in the battery.

Additionally, regenerative braking technology helps maximize the efficiency of an EV. Often described as one-pedal driving, when the driver eases off the accelerator, the brakes convert the kinetic energy (motion of the vehicle) into electricity and store it in the batteries.

Interested in learning more? Book an EV test drive with one of our experts at Next Ride – they’ll tell you all about it!