Quick answer
Some can. The Chevrolet Silverado EV and other GM models, the Tesla Cybertruck, newer Tesla Model 3 and Model Y paired with a Powerwall 3, the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Kia EV9 can back up a home with the right charger and transfer equipment. Output runs about 9.6 to 11.5 kW. An EV only helps while it's parked and plugged in at home.
Which EVs can power a house?
| Vehicle | Home equipment | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac EVs (Silverado EV, Equinox EV and others) | GM Energy V2H Bundle, $8,998 MSRP | 9.6 kW |
| Tesla Cybertruck | Powershare Gateway and Universal Wall Connector | 11.5 kW |
| Tesla Model 3 and Model Y ordered on or after Oct. 1, 2026 | Powerwall 3 | Through the Powerwall 3 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning (2022 to 2025) | Bidirectional charger with a transfer switch | 9.6 kW |
| Kia EV9 | Wallbox Quasar 2 with Power Recovery Unit, $6,440 before tax and installation | Up to three days of backup, per Wallbox |
Ford ended production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning in December 2025, and its original home backup equipment is reported to be discontinued; Ford now points owners to a meter-mounted transfer switch from GenerLink, which needs utility approval. Ameren Illinois' meter collar list showed GenerLink as under review, so check with your utility first.
How long can an EV run my home?
Longer than one home battery, because EV batteries are much bigger. The F-150 Lightning's extended-range battery holds 131 kWh, compared with 13.5 kWh for one Powerwall 3. Ford says the Lightning can power a home using 30 kWh a day for about three days, and GM says a Silverado EV can power a home for up to 21 days with reduced daily energy use.
Output limits what runs at once. At 9.6 to 11.5 kW, an EV can carry a home's essentials, but not every large appliance at the same moment, so ask the installer which circuits it will cover.
Is an EV a replacement for a home battery?
| EV with vehicle-to-home | Home battery | |
|---|---|---|
| Available in an outage | Only when the car is home and plugged in | Always |
| Storage | Large: 98 or 131 kWh on an F-150 Lightning | 13.5 kWh per Powerwall 3 |
| Illinois storage rebate | Not paid for car batteries, as far as we can find | About $300 per kWh in a utility virtual power plant |
| Daily bill savings | Backup only for most setups | Can shift solar to evening use |
For many homes the answer is both: a home battery for automatic backup and the rebate, and the EV as a large reserve for a long outage. Ask the automaker how backup use affects the vehicle's battery warranty before you rely on it.
Can I use my EV and solar panels together in an outage?
Sometimes. Tesla's newest setup charges a Model 3 or Model Y through a Powerwall 3, which is built to work with solar. Other systems may not let your existing solar recharge the car while the grid is down, so ask the installer to confirm in writing how solar, the EV and any home battery work together during an outage. See does solar work in a power outage and solar, EV chargers and home charging.
Do ComEd or Ameren have vehicle-to-home programs?
Not for homeowners yet. ComEd's vehicle-to-grid pilot announced in September 2025 uses electric school buses, part of its beneficial electrification plan. Any vehicle-to-home system that connects to your home's wiring still needs a licensed electrician and, for meter-mounted switches, your utility's approval. The Illinois battery rebate is paid for home batteries enrolled in the utility's virtual power plant; see how the virtual power plant works.
What should I ask before setting up EV backup?
- 1
Is my vehicle supported?
Check the automaker's list for your model and year, since support varies by trim and build date.
- 2
What equipment and permits do I need?
Ask for the bidirectional charger, transfer switch and electrical permit in one quote.
- 3
Does it work with my solar and battery?
Ask whether solar can recharge the car or battery during an outage.
- 4
What happens to my vehicle warranty?
Get the automaker's answer on backup use in writing.
Weighing a home battery? See what a home battery costs in Illinois and standby generator vs. battery.
Sources
- Chevrolet Accessories: GM Energy V2H Bundle
- Electrek: Power your home for 21 days with a Chevy Silverado EV (Apr. 2024)
- Tesla: Powershare
- Electrek: Tesla brings Powershare home backup to Model 3 and Model Y with Powerwall 3 (Oct. 2026)
- Motor Authority: How the Ford F-150 Lightning can power your house (2021)
- autoevolution: F-150 Lightning battery capacities revealed (2021)
- Electrek: Ford ends the all-electric F-150 Lightning (Dec. 2025)
- InsideEVs: Ford truck backup power with GenerLink
- Ameren Illinois: Meter collar adaptor installation requirements
- CleanTechnica: Vehicle-to-home charging arrives for Kia EV9 drivers (Mar. 2025)
- Tesla: Powerwall 3 datasheet (North America)
- ComEd: Vehicle-to-grid school bus pilot (Sept. 2025)
- ComEd: Distributed generation and storage rebates
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Incentive programs change, so confirm current terms with your installer, your utility and a tax professional.