We used the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to charge another EV

(Image credit: TechRadar / Myriam Joire)

Back in December 2021, we had the opportunity to drive the AWD version of the excellent Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV near San Diego, California. Drivetrain and performance differences aside, it's pretty much identical to the RWD model we reviewed in the UK last October.

As a result, we decided to focus on some of the Ioniq 5's marquee features, like its speedy 350kW DC fast charging capability, and its unique V2L (vehicle-to-load) functionality.

350kW DC fast charging

As we mentioned in our review, the Ioniq 5 is a battery-electric crossover that's fun-to-drive, delightfully retro-modern outside, and spacious inside. It's available in three versions: a 168hp single motor model (RWD) with an EPA range of 220 miles (354km), a 225hp single motor model (RWD) with an EPA range of 303 miles (487km), and a 320hp dual motor configuration (AWD) with an EPA range of 256 miles (411km).

What is V2L technology?

The V2L display in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 — (Image credit: TechRadar / Myriam Joire)

But now onto the Ioniq 5's more exciting party trick.

Inverters built into cars are nothing new, but the factory inverters available in most ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles typically output less than 0.5kW, and rely on the relatively small 12V battery as a power source.

This means you can power lights, laptops and other small electronics just fine, but appliances like a fridge or blender are off limits, and you'll quickly drain the 12V battery unless you leave the engine running.

Some hybrid vehicles – like the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid – have more powerful on-board inverters that output 1kW or more, draw power directly from the hybrid battery, and start the engine automatically when the hybrid battery is low.

But battery EVs make even more powerful inverters possible, something that's called V2L (vehicle to load) technology. Some cars can even output power via the charging port.

For example, Ford's F150 Lightning battery EV boasts V2L functionality up to 9.6kW, with 11 power outlets available on some trims, plus Ford Intelligent Backup Power.

This feature can power your home for up to 3 days in case of a power outage, but also requires the Ford Charge Station Pro to be installed in your home (along with a transfer switch), so it's really more of an integrated backup power solution for your home.

And this is where the Ioniq 5 stands out. In the US, V2L functionality up to 1.9kW (120V 16A) is standard on all trims via a $220 charging port adapter. The Limited trim also includes a power outlet under the rear seat.

In the UK, V2L functionality up to 3.6kW (230V 16A) is standard on the Ultimate trim, and optional (£365) on the Premium trim. This includes both the charging port adapter and power outlet under the rear seat.

Charging an EV... with an EV

Better yet, the charging port adapter is live even when the car is turned off, making it ideal to power appliances while camping, or even charge another EV – something we successfully tested.

The power outlet under the rear seat, however, only operates when the car is turned on. Regardless of which outlet you use (charging port adapter, rear seat, or both), the total power output cannot exceed 1.9kW at 120V, or 3.6kW at 230V.

What's particularly clever here is that you can use the infotainment system to set a discharge limit for the battery (between 20 and 80%). The V2L functionality is then disabled when the battery level reaches this discharge limit, so you don't have to worry about getting stranded with a depleted battery.

To test this, we plugged our MacBook Air charger (just 30W) into the outlet under the back seat and then plugged another Ioniq 5 into the charging port adapter via its own mobile charging cable, and ta-da, both were charging just fine.

Meanwhile, the other car (another Ioniq 5, seen in the video above) was only charging at about 4mph (6.5km/h) drawing about 1.7kW (120V ~14A). Still that's enough to add 12mi (19km of range) in 3 hours – perfect for an emergency.

In all, this V2L tech is pretty cool, and we really hope it becomes a standard feature in all EVs going forward.

We used Toyota's new infotainment system, and it's a huge improvement

Myriam Joire (tnkgrl) was born wearing combat boots and holding a keyboard. Moments later she picked up a soldering iron. On weekends, she rally-raced with her father. She's been stomping, typing, hacking, and driving ever since. After spending years being a code-monkey in the video game industry, she joined Engadget as Senior Mobile Editor and later Pebble as Chief Evangelist. Today she hosts the weekly Mobile Tech Podcast, makes videos on YouTube, writes about tech and cars for TechRadar and other major publications, and advises startups on product/media strategy. She's based in San Francisco.