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Retrospectively converting a Kona EV into a home battery?

Discussion in 'Hyundai Kona Electric' started by Electric Rich, Aug 22, 2022.

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  1. Aug 22, 2022 #1
    Electric Rich

    Electric Rich Member

    This is for the smarter members of the forum. Does anyone have any idea whether the hardware needed to make a Kona EV into a bi directional home battery exists? Or what might be involved?
    This feature is still not that common in todays electric cars, so just wondered if anyone thinks a retro fitted piece of hardware, will ever make it possible. Just talking about EV cars, that currently dont have the ability to do it?
     
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  2. Aug 22, 2022 #2
    electriceddy

    electriceddy Moderator Staff Member

    Nanaimo BC, 2021 Kona Ultimate Built Sept 2020
    There have been installs of inverters that work quite well for back up power, a good thread to start with;)
     
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  3. Aug 22, 2022 #3
    KiwiME

    KiwiME Well-Known Member

    New Zealand '2019' EU, heat pump, pink coolant
    One owner, @mikeselectricstuff , opened up the relay box to investigate the option of drawing off 400V power. But that also requires getting the contactor in the battery pack to close. In theory it's possible for a clever and motivated electrical engineer to fabricate a solution with off the shelf parts such as a PV inverter that can handle a 400VDC input but you really need to know what you're doing. It would be far easier to wait a few years until this option appears on the market, such as it has with the Ford Lightning.
     
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  4. Aug 24, 2022 #4
    Jim Matthews

    Jim Matthews Active Member

    Taxachusetts, USA
    The Kona has a "utility" mode which allows 12v systems to operate off the larger traction battery. While there will be losses, this could feed an outboard inverter to generate AC power - but not for many appliances or very long.

    The Kona *could* be considered a portable air conditioner, if you like.
    Likewise, it might offer heated guest room accommodation for a few hours.
     

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