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Electric pickup trucks aren’t the only EVs that can supply power in a pinch. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the first electric SUVs to showcase its ability to provide exportable power to appliances and devices. A hotel in Essex, England is Hyundai Ioniq 5-powered and ready to entertain guests.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 powers Hotel Hyundai

A blue Hyundai Ioniq 5 small electric SUV is parked outside Hotel Hyundai.
A Hyundai Ioniq 5 at Hotel Hyundai | Hyundai UK

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s comfort and great standard features. That’s why many consumers overlook the small electric SUV’s ability to provide exportable power.

According to Motor1, Hyundai has opened up a small hotel that is powered entirely by the South Korean automaker’s small electric SUV, the Ioniq 5. The small “hotel” (a one-room cabin) features a heater. The Ioniq 5 also powers a projector and speakers for an on-site movie screening. Hyundai has set up a separate bar and restaurant area near the cabin as well. The Hotel Hyundai sits on an area surrounded by 200 acres of woodlands, farmland, and a brook.

Hyundai is currently running a contest offering 14 winners a one-night stay at the Ioniq 5-powered Hotel Hyundai (separately of course). Hotel Hyundai will only be open for a total of 14 days from October 19th to November 5th.

What is the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s ‘Vehicle to Load’ feature?

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 powers Hotel Hyundai using its Vehicle to Load (V2L) feature. Drivers that wish to use V2L via the charge port will need the Ioniq 5 V2L charge port adapter. Authorized Hyundai dealers can provide the charge port adapter. Drivers can set battery discharge limits to preserve power. Hyundai advises drivers to avoid using the V2L charge port adapter in wet weather conditions like rain or snowfall. So, there are definitely some limits to the Ioniq 5’s ability to power appliances and devices.

The idea of using an electric vehicle’s energy reserves as backup power isn’t new or brand-exclusive. Some Ford and General Motors EVs have the same ability. Ultimately, this feature could become an industry standard for popular electric vehicles.

Using the Ioniq 5 to power multiple devices and appliances is a neat trick, but keep in mind that this feature can be taxing. Using V2L can take a serious toll on the small electric SUV’s driving range.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the SUV to watch in its segment

A gray 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is parked on the street.
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Hyundai

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the World Car of the Year. The 2023 model year will get plenty of attention from automotive enthusiasts as the South Korean automaker tries to improve on what many consider the best electric vehicle on the market.

The Ioniq 5 will compete with the Volkswagen ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Kia EV6. Will Hyundai’s small electric SUV come out on top once again?

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4 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, Not a Volkswagen ID.4