IONIQ 5 Craze... Spotlight on "V2L" Technology

[Asia Economy, reporter Yoo Jehun] Hyundai Motor Company's first dedicated electric vehicle (EV), the IONIQ 5, has generated sensational popularity, selling 23,760 units on the first day of pre-orders. As a result, there is growing interest in the usefulness of the V2L (Vehicle to Load) technology, which is considered one of the IONIQ 5's key strengths.

According to Hyundai Motor Company on February 27, the V2L feature applied to the IONIQ 5 enables the vehicle to supply standard 220V electricity externally, providing a consumption power of 3.6 kW, which is higher than what is typically used in ordinary households. This allows for the use of home electronics and appliances. The external V2L function comes standard, while the interior V2L, which can be used inside the vehicle, is available as an option.

V2L is a concept derived from V2G (Vehicle to Grid), a technology that connects eco-friendly vehicles to the power grid to utilize their idle power. It refers to the technology that supplies standard electricity externally from eco-friendly vehicles such as EVs. In other words, it is a method of using an electric vehicle equipped with an energy storage system (ESS) as an auxiliary battery.

The V2L function can significantly enhance the utility of a vehicle. Since the vehicle itself becomes a power source, it enables the use of household appliances and electronics such as refrigerators and microwaves in everyday life. For example, in the case of "car camping," which has gained popularity recently due to COVID-19, conventional internal combustion engine vehicles require a separate large-capacity battery to use appliances and electronics, but eco-friendly vehicles equipped with V2L can be used without such restrictions, relying solely on the vehicle's own battery charge.

The Korea Automobile Research Institute recently stated in a report, "The capacity of EV drive batteries is equivalent to the amount of electricity used in a typical household for several days, so unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, there are no limitations to using various electrical and electronic devices inside and outside the vehicle." The report also predicted, "The V2L function will not only create leisure and workspaces centered around automobiles but could also be utilized for short-term housing."

The industry expects that, as global automakers rapidly advance research and commercialization of V2G technology, the range of applications for eco-friendly vehicles will continue to expand. This is because various technologies such as V2H, which uses the vehicle as a household power source, and V2V, which enables charging other vehicles, are being developed and put into practical use.