What are my V2L options to replace our 2015 Leaf?

coffee to go · 04-02-2026 08:45PM #1

Hi all,

After an earlier thread over in the main Motors forum (where I got great advice on options for a first budget car for my daughter) I am now hoping to get some advice on replacement options for our 2015 Leaf Tekna (which has ended up being the most sensible option to pass to said daughter).

We’re pretty rural so would want to be good on the windy roads. Doesn’t need to be big/SUV as it’s never likely to have more than 4 in it (2 usually). Ideally would like something with similar spec to the Tekna (heated seats, decent boot space etc)

One thing in particular - would really like to have something with V2L after the frequency of power cuts where we live has jumped a lot in recent years with the storms.

Budget is somewhere around 20k to 22.5k (maybe could push to 25k for the right car)

Was tempted by the Inster, but then discovered that some genius decided to only have the V2L on the Cross model which puts it out of budget. Have been in a colleague’s BYD and that thing made me more carsick than I have ever been.

So, if I’m wedded to the V2L idea - Am I looking mainly at a used MG4 or Ioniq 5? Anything else I’m missing? Any good deals on these seen recently? Cheers in advance!

Ginger83 · 04-02-2026 09:06PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058432167/what-are-my-v2l-options-to-replace-our-2015-leaf

I have just discovered this issue too with the Inster however a dealer up north told me that the V2L is available on their 02 model and Cross model up there

...Ghost... · 05-02-2026 09:36AM

V2L sounds great, but I would take it as a nice extra. I've seen the Leaf setup with V2L years ago, so maybe that's something to look into with what you already have. I'd be more inclined to look at proper battery storage and change-over switches for the home and focus on what is needed for a car.

The MG4 and Ioniq 5 are decent EVs though. Both worth serious consideration if they meet your criteria outside of the V2L.

kaahooters · 05-02-2026 09:56AM

clarify what you mean by V2l,theres a lot of differing opinions on what that actually means like.

cos you could just keep the leaf and get something like this

https://evniculus.eu/products/electaway-v2l-portable-discharger-dual-schuko-output-3-5-kw

Now if you mean to connect the car to the house and use it as a backup battery, afaik right now thats not strictly possible in irealand, HOWEVER, it is something that would be spected for in ccs2 which cars like the enyaq and some teslas can theoretically do, but means needing an inverter and a bit of a house battery.

MojoMaker · 05-02-2026 10:06AM

The Camping Kettle principle is back.

coffee to go · 05-02-2026 04:07PM

@kaahooters - Thanks for that, first I’ve heard of a Chademo to V2L solution!

V2L in the next car is really just a nice to have - Not looking to run the entire house V2H style, just being able to run the fridge, telly and oil boiler heating circulation pump during a prolonged outage (we’ve had a fair few recently). We’ve done some looking at solar/battery, but these are likely to form part of a bigger retrofit of the house that’s a few years away yet.

kaahooters · 06-02-2026 09:57AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124208646#Comment_124208646

ok, thats much clearer, so the most convienent way to do this is to get a battery system for the house, (inverter cut over swtich AND a generator imput to charget the battery up with during an outtage (depends on a lot of things, but the idea would be , power drops, the batterys full, or close to it, hit the cut over and run the house off the battery, and charge the battery off a "small" generator when needed for extended outtages)

the cheapiest and easiest id consider would be something like an anker powerstation, like 2kwh of battery (should run a fridge for about a day but youd need a few to power everything at the same time, most of them are conectable, so you could add on, and itll let you have a few things running.) for tea, a bottle of gas and a burner attachment would be the easiest and cheapest.

keno-daytrader · 10-02-2026 01:05PM

We bought a 23 Kia Niro Ev, it has V2L and was worth its weight in gold last year, we were without power for 8 days after the Jan big storm and used it 4 other times during the year when we experienced long power cuts. We work from home and it saved the day for us so many times, we ran fridges, computers, water pump, internet, a small hob, kettle and airfyer.

We drove lots of EV's including the Ioinq 5 which I loved but went with the Niro EV because it sits higher on the road, but both cars are packed with modern tech.

coffee to go · 10-02-2026 05:43PM

Thanks - Actually ended up putting down a deposit for a 221 Ioniq after going for what was only supposed to be a tyre-kick test drive in one late last week and ended up being seriously impressed 😆

Now to read through the entire Ioniq thread!!

MojoMaker · 11-02-2026 11:13AM

Start with the ICCU issues and don't hold your breath too long or you'll pass out.

Lovely looking cars, but buying Hyundai is a gamble at the moment.

What are my V2L options to replace our 2015 Leaf?

Comments