Close your eyes and picture the classic Australian Christmas Day. You’ve snagged the perfect spot at the local park or right on the sand at Noosa. The sun is blazing, the cricket is on the radio, and the family is ready for the feast.

But then, the reality of the “Old Way” sets in. You’re frantically topping up the esky with bags of melting ice from the servo. The prawns are sitting in a pool of lukewarm water. The “cold ones” are… well, they’re struggling. And if you want a decent coffee? You’re lining up for 20 minutes at the only open kiosk.

At EV Evolution, we believe the transition to electric isn’t just about saving money on fuel or lowering your carbon footprint—it’s about lifestyle sovereignty. In December 2025, we’ve entered the era of the “Mobile Power Bank.”

If you’re lucky enough to be driving an EV with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology this festive season, your Christmas is about to get a serious upgrade. Here is how to master the “V2L Holiday Hack” and become the hero of the beach.

What Exactly is V2L? (The “Magic Plug” Explained)

If you’re new to the EV world, V2L stands for Vehicle-to-Load. While most cars only take power in, V2L-capable EVs can send power out.

Think of your car as a massive, 60kWh to 100kWh portable battery on wheels. Through a simple adapter that plugs into your charging port (or via dedicated 3-pin sockets inside the cabin), you can run standard household appliances. Whether it’s a BYD Atto 3, a Kia EV6, the new MG S5, or the massive Hyundai IONIQ 9, most modern EVs now offer between 2.2kW and 3.6kW of continuous power.

To put that in perspective, that’s enough to run a hairdryer, a microwave, or a high-end espresso machine—anywhere you can park your car.

Hack #1: The “Cold Chain” (Say Goodbye to the Esky)

The biggest game-changer for a beach Christmas is the portable fridge. In 2025, high-efficiency 12V/240V camping fridges are the standard.

By plugging your fridge into your EV’s V2L port, you create a “set and forget” cooling system.

• The Math: A standard camping fridge uses about 0.1kWh to 0.2kWh of energy per hour. If you have a 60kWh battery in your BYD or MG, you could technically run that fridge for over 12 days straight and still have enough charge to drive 200km home.
• The Pro Move: Keep the fridge running in the boot while you drive to the beach. When you arrive, the drinks are already at 2°C. No ice, no mess, no soggy sandwiches.

Hack #2: The Beachfront Barista

We’ve all been there—that 3:00 PM slump after a heavy Christmas lunch where you’d give anything for a proper flat white or an icy frappé.

Most V2L systems handle the “surge” of a coffee machine or a high-speed blender with ease.

• The Hack: Pack your Nespresso or Breville machine in the frunk. Plug it into the V2L adapter, and you’re serving café-quality coffee on the tailgate.
• Summer Twist: Use a NutriBullet to whip up frozen margaritas or fruit smoothies for the kids using ice you didn’t have to buy because your fridge kept it frozen.

Hack #3: Festive Vibes & Parkside Lights

Who says the Christmas lights have to stay at home? If you’re hosting a late-afternoon BBQ at a public park, you can use your EV to power the atmosphere.

• Lighting: Wrap LED fairy lights around your roof racks or the nearby gazebo. LEDs draw almost zero power, so you can leave them on all night without even seeing a 1% drop in your battery.
• Entertainment: Power a portable projector against a white sheet for a “Christmas Night Cinema” at the campsite.
• Comfort: In 35°C Aussie heat, a pedestal fan or a portable “swamp cooler” can be a lifesaver. Plug it in and keep the grandparents comfortable while the kids play.

“Will I Get Stranded?” (Managing Battery Anxiety)

The #1 question we get at EV Evolution is: “If I plug in my air fryer, will I have enough juice to get home?”

The answer is almost always yes, thanks to a feature called the Discharge Limit.

Most EVs allow you to set a “floor” for your V2L usage (typically via the touchscreen). If you set your limit to 20%, the car will automatically cut power to the V2L port once the battery hits that level. This ensures you always have a “reserve tank” to reach the nearest fast charger.

Real-world check: Running a full Christmas setup (Fridge + Coffee Machine + Lights + Music) for 8 hours will likely consume less than 3-5% of your total battery. It’s a drop in the ocean.

Which 2025/2026 Models Are the V2L Kings?

As we look toward the 2026 model year, V2L has moved from a “neat trick” to a “must-have” feature in the Australian market.

1. The Kia EV5: Newly arrived in late 2025, this is the ultimate camping SUV with V2L ports both inside and out.
2. The BYD Sealion 7: This performance SUV doesn’t just look good; it offers 3.3kW of V2L power, perfect for heavy-duty appliances.
3. The MG S5: Replacing the venerable ZS EV, the S5 brings the superior V2L tech of the MG4 into a family SUV body.
4. The Hyundai IONIQ 9: If you have a large family, this 3-row behemoth is essentially a mobile power station for an entire scout troop.

V2L Etiquette: Being a Good Neighbour

One of the best things about V2L is that it is silent. Unlike a petrol generator that rattles the eardrums of everyone within 50 metres and spews out fumes, an EV provides “stealth power.”

However, there are a few tips for a smooth experience:

• Weatherproofing: While your car is rain-resistant, your house-style extension cords are not. If a summer storm rolls in, ensure your V2L connections are covered and elevated off the wet sand.
• The Right Adapter: Ensure you’re using the manufacturer-approved V2L adapter. In 2025, many “aftermarket” versions have hit the market, but for something drawing 3,000 watts, you want the genuine article to ensure the safety of your car’s internal inverter.

The Big Picture: Why V2L Matters

At EV Evolution, we see V2L as the first step toward a more resilient Australia. Beyond Christmas lunch, this technology is a lifeline during summer blackouts or bushfire emergencies. Your car is no longer just a way to get from A to B; it’s an insurance policy for your home and a toolkit for your adventures.

The “petrol pump” era taught us that cars are a drain—on our wallets and our environment. The EV Evolution era teaches us that cars are an asset.

Start Your New Year’s Evolution

Is your New Year’s resolution to finally ditch the petrol pump and embrace the freedom of a mobile power bank?

The 2026 lineup of EVs is more capable (and more affordable) than ever. But with so many models hitting the Australian market, how do you know which one has the V2L capacity you need for your specific camping fridge or home backup?

Start a conversation with the EV Evolution AI chatbot today. Our AI is updated with the latest 2025/2026 Australian specs. Ask us anything:

• “Which EVs under $50k have V2L?”
• “Can a BYD Dolphin power a 2000W kettle?”
• “What’s the difference between V2L and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid)?”
• “How do I set the discharge limit on a Kia EV6?”

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.