Yes, a Tesla car battery can power a house, but it requires specific hardware and is not a simple plug-and-play operation. The primary method is through Tesla's own Powerwall home battery system, which is designed for this purpose. However, for direct vehicle-to-home (V2H) power, the capability is currently limited. Most Tesla models cannot directly power a house without additional, approved equipment.
The key to this functionality is a feature often called Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) or Vehicle-to-Home (V2H). As of now, Tesla has begun rolling out a "Powershare" feature, starting with the Cybertruck. This allows the truck to directly power a home when paired with a Tesla Wall Connector and a compatible home electrical panel. For older models like the Model S, 3, X, and Y, this capability is not yet available, though it's a area of active development.
The amount of power and duration depends entirely on your car's battery size. A typical home uses about 30 kWh per day. A Long Range Tesla Model 3 has a usable battery capacity of about 75 kWh. In theory, this could power essential home appliances (refrigerator, lights, some outlets) for two to three days during a blackout.
| Tesla Model | Approximate Usable Battery Capacity (kWh) | Estimated Backup for Essential Loads (Hours) |
|---|
| Model 3 Standard Range | 50-55 kWh | 40-48 hours |
| Model 3/Y Long Range | 75-82 kWh | 60-70 hours |
| Model S/X Plaid | 95-100 kWh | 75-85 hours |
| Cybertruck | 123 kWh+ | 100+ hours |
To set this up, you would need, at a minimum, a Tesla Wall Connector that supports Powershare and a Transfer Switch or Gateway installed by a qualified electrician. This critical safety device isolates your home from the grid during an outage, preventing back-feeding that could endanger utility workers. It's not a DIY project. The cost for professional installation can range from a few thousand to over ten thousand dollars, depending on your home's existing electrical system.
