Appliances
The total power draw of everything you power cannot exceed the rating of your EV. However, you can choose which appliances you use and how to stay under the rating limit. Typically you can use 1 or 2 high power appliances, or several low power appliances. You can use “trial and error” by plugging in an appliance - if it trips the circuit, then you know that it is too much for your EV’s power capacity.
Note that I’ve used current and power interchangeably here; this is because power is equal to current multiplied by voltage - assuming the voltage stays constant (which it more-or-less does if we ignore voltage sag) then power is proportional to the current.
Please note that these values are typical ranges, and some appliances will be outside these values.
Inrush current
Some items (like a fridge) will trip the EV V2L output when first plugged in, but then after the power has reset (which usually happens automatically, dependong on the EV model) that appliance can continue to run just fine. This is because the initial current draw from that appliance when it is first connected to power is very high (called inrush or startup current) - this exceeds the V2L limit in the EV; however after that the continuous operating current/power is much lower, so it can run just fine. on V2H.
Inrush current, also known as startup current or surge current, refers to the initial surge of electrical current that flows into an electrical appliance when it is first turned on. This current is typically much higher than the steady-state current that the appliance draws when it is operating normally.
The reason for the high inrush current is that many electrical appliances have components that store energy, such as capacitors and inductors. When the appliance is first turned on, these components draw a large amount of current to quickly charge up.
Values shown below are typical continuous values; inrush current values are usually several times higher.
| Appliance | Power (kW) | Notes |
| Air Conditioner (Central) | 2.0 - 5.0 | Highly dependent on size, efficiency (SEER rating), and outdoor temperature. |
| Air Conditioner (Split System) | 0.5 - 1.5 | Smaller units for individual rooms. |
| Air Fryer | 1.4 - 1.8 | Relatively high power for quick cooking. |
| Blender | 0.3 - 1.0 | Depends on speed and load. |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | 1.8 - 5.0 | One of the highest energy consumers. Moisture sensors and lower heat settings can reduce consumption. |
| Clothes Dryer (Gas) | 0.3 - 0.9 * | *Electrical power for the motor and controls. Gas provides the heat, making them generally more energy-efficient overall. |
| Coffee Maker | 0.6 - 1.2 | Power draw is highest during brewing. Keep-warm function adds to energy use. |
| Dehumidifier | 0.2 - 0.8 | Larger capacity units draw more power. |
| Desktop Computer | 0.05 - 0.5 | Depends on components and usage. Gaming PCs with powerful graphics cards draw much more power than basic office PCs. |
| Dishwasher | 1.2 - 2.4 | Includes water heating and drying cycles. Energy-efficient models use less. |
| Fan - ceiling | 0.01 - 0.1 | Very low power consumption, helps circulate air. |
| Fan - Whole House | 0.2 - 0.75 | Uses less power than AC, suitable for some climates. |
| Food Processor | 0.4 - 1.2 | Similar to a blender. |
| Fridge / Freezer | 0.2 - 0.8 | Larger and older models draw more power. Standby power is relatively low, but running the compressor draws significantly more. |
| Furnace | 10 - 50 | Very high power draw, depending on size and climate. One of the largest energy consumers in homes with electric heat. |
| Gaming Console | 0.05 - 0.25 | Power draw varies significantly based on activity (gaming vs. standby). |
| Garage Door Opener | 0.3 - 0.9 | Draws significant power when opening/closing, but very little otherwise. |
| Hair Dryer | 1.2 - 2.4 | High power for short periods. |
| Heat Lamp | 0.2 - 0.5 (per bulb) | Orders of magnitude more than LEDs! |
| Heat Pump | 2.5 - 5 | More efficient than electric resistance heaters in many climates, for both heating and cooling. |
| Instant Pot | 0.7 - 1.2 | Varies based on function. Pressure cooking uses more than slow cooking. |
| Iron | 1.0 - 1.8 | High power for heating; actual usage time is often short. |
| Kettle (Electric) | 2.0- 2.4 | Heats water quickly, so high power draw for short periods. |
| Laptop Computer | 0.02 - 0.1 | Much more energy-efficient than desktops. |
| Lighting (LED bulb) | 0.004 - 0.018 (per bulb) | Very energy-efficient compared to incandescent or CFL bulbs. Multiply by the number of bulbs to get total power draw. |
| Microwave Oven | 0.6 - 1.8 | Higher wattage microwaves cook faster but draw more power. |
| Oven | 2.0 - 5.0 | Power draw is highest when heating up; maintaining temperature uses less. Self-cleaning cycles use the high end of the range. |
| Phone/Tablet Charger | 0.002 - 0.01 | Small and low power consumption. |
| Router/Modem | 0.005 - 0.02 | Low, continuous power draw. |
| Set-top Box / DVR | 0.01 - 0.05 | Often consumes significant power even in standby mode. |
| Slow Cooker/Crock-Pot | 0.1 - 0.3 | Low, consistent power draw over long periods. |
| Space Heater (Electric) | 1.0-2.4 | Can be very energy-intensive if used for extended periods. |
| Stove Top (per burner) | 1.0 - 3.0 | Depends on burner size and setting. |
| Sump Pump | 0.25 - 1.0 | Draws power when actively pumping water. |
| Television (LED/LCD) | 0.05 - 0.3 | Larger screens and higher resolutions use more power. |
| Television (OLED) | 0.1 - 0.4 | OLEDs can be more power-hungry than LEDs at higher brightness levels. |
| Toaster | 0.8 - 1.5 | Short bursts of high power. |
| Toothbrush Charger | 0.002 - 0.005 | Very low, continuous power consumption while charging. |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 1.0 - 2.4 | Power varies depending on suction strength. |
| Washing Machine | 0.3 - 1.5 | Water heating is a major factor. Front-loading machines are generally more efficient. |
| Water Heater (Electric) | 3.0 - 5.5 | One of the largest energy consumers in many homes. |
| Water Heater (Gas) | 0.05 - 0.1 * | *Electrical power for controls and ignition. Gas provides the heat. |
| Well Pump | 0.75 - 1.5 | Draws power intermittently when water is being used. |