How FranklinWH’s V2L Technology is Powering Homes Through EVs

Advances in electric vehicle (EV) technology are transforming the field of home energy storage, providing EV drivers with a source of power that not only fuels their travel but also ensures that critical household devices continue to operate during power outages. FranklinWH, a global leader in next-generation residential energy management and storage solutions, is helping homeowners to take advantage of EV power by providing open and robust home energy ecosystems that integrate solar, battery, grid, generator, and EV power sources.

“Electric vehicles aren’t just for driving anymore,” says Vincent Ambrose, Chief Commercial Officer of FranklinWH. “With batteries over 100 kWh, such as those provided by the Ford F150 Lightning, your EV can act as a portable power station.”

FranklinWH is a leading provider of home energy management and battery storage systems for residential and small commercial properties. The company focuses on delivering sustainable, energy-efficient products and solutions to enhance comfort while minimizing grid reliance and environmental impact.

“EVs can help homeowners who are frustrated by the increasing regularity of power outages and the rising costs of energy,” Ambrose shares. “But here’s the catch: most of the vehicle-to-load options available today are costly or hard to install. FranklinWH’s solution, however, was designed to address those problems. It’s an affordable and flexible system that makes it easy for EV owners to tap into emergency power.”

The latest EVs bring game-changing capabilities to home energy security

Vehicle-to-load, also known as V2L, involves the safe transfer of energy from an electric vehicle’s battery to meet external energy needs. It can be applied to a variety of power needs, such as camping equipment, power tools, or even other electric vehicles.

With earlier EVs, leveraging battery power for anything other than fueling the vehicle was not a primary design consideration. As the EV market has grown, however, carmakers have sought to attract buyers by upgrading the ways in which battery power can be used for V2L. The higher-end trim packages available on the latest EV pickup trucks even offer 240 V output, which is compatible with a home’s major appliances.

“The typical daily use of an EV rarely drains its battery, which means a significant amount of charge is left idle,” Ambrose says. “V2L changes that by enabling EV owners to tap into their vehicle’s energy reserves, providing a reliable power source that is a game-changer for energy security.”

Incorporating V2L is simple with the FranklinWH aGate

The FranklinWH aGate is an intelligent energy management controller that serves as the brain of the FranklinWH energy ecosystem. The aGate manages energy flow between power sources and household loads to optimize energy usage in the home.

Through its optional Generator Module, the aGate can integrate with both portable and standby generators to address power outages. The Generator Module allows a direct cable connection to an EV’s outlet without additional external components or the costs associated with obtaining and installing those components.

The aGate also allows V2L to supply power to FranklinWH’s aPower 2, a cutting-edge second-generation home battery. Once charged with power supplied by solar, the grid, a generator, or an EV, the aPower2 can power an entire home during power outages.

“When storms or other unforeseen events cause a power outage, the V2L capabilities in the FranklinWH System allow homeowners to tap into their EV battery and keep essential appliances running,” Ambrose shares. “It is an immediate solution when other power sources are unavailable. And with a fully charged EV battery, the setup can sustain critical home functions for days.”

Using the FranklinWH App to optimize EV power usage

When homeowners tap into their EV battery through their FranklinWH System, they also gain the benefit of optimizing battery usage through the FranklinWH App. The app enables smart power strategies by allowing homeowners to easily select their energy sources and control the amount of energy being used.

“The V2L capabilities provided by the FranklinWH system aren’t just a ‘plug-and-play’ setup,” Ambrose explains. “Users get full control of the system through our app. They can check how energy is flowing, prioritize loads, and decide when to draw power. It’s a powerful tool we designed to allow homeowners to use energy in smarter ways, implementing strategies that ensure there is power for critical devices when they are most needed.”

By easily accommodating V2L needs, FranklinWH provides homeowners with even more options for energy security. They give homeowners ultimate peace of mind, whether they are navigating a multi-day blackout or taking steps to ensure they’ll be safe when events lead to an outage.

“When you combine your EV with our aPower battery and aGate intelligent control, it becomes a key part of a full home energy ecosystem,” Ambrose explains. “Our system transforms your EV battery from a backup generator to a smart, integrated power player. It’s all part of our mission to empower energy freedom, one EV at a time.”