Tesla Model Y Performance Finally Gets Vehicle-to-Load

The refreshed Tesla Model Y Performance now includes vehicle-to-load capability, giving owners the option to power external devices directly from the car. This marks the first time the feature has been officially offered on Tesla’s best-selling vehicle, even though other automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and GM have made V2L standard for years. For Tesla, which usually leads on innovation, the late arrival makes this update stand out.

Tesla confirmed the feature in a reply on X, stating that the Model Y Performance supports only vehicle-to-load through the Tesla Outlet Adapter. The $80 adapter connects to the Mobile Connector and then plugs into the vehicle’s charging port. With this setup, the car provides 120 volts at 20 amps, delivering a maximum of 2.4 kilowatts through two household outlets. That level of output won’t power an entire house, but it’s enough to run small appliances, keep laptops and phones charged, or maintain lighting during short outages.

The Model Y’s system differs from Tesla’s Cybertruck, which supports both vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home when paired with a Powerwall. Vehicle-to-home allows full home backup during grid failures, while vehicle-to-load is better suited for smaller, portable power needs. Owners can think of it as a practical extension of the car’s battery, useful for camping trips, outdoor projects, or temporary emergency backup.

Unofficial workarounds for V2L on earlier Teslas have been around for some time, but those approaches carried warranty risks and safety concerns. The new setup gives owners a simple, approved way to use their vehicle for external power, avoiding the risks of DIY solutions.

This update doesn’t fundamentally change what the Model Y is, but it does increase its utility. The addition of V2L means the Model Y Performance now offers more flexibility for real-world situations, making it better aligned with what many competing EVs already provide. For buyers, that translates to more value from a car that’s already Tesla’s most popular model.

Source: InsideEvs