Tesla adds home backup power for Model 3 and Model Y — Electrek
In the United States, Tesla has activated the Powershare Home Backup feature for new Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles. It allows the vehicle’s battery to be used as an additional source of power for a home during a grid outage, Electrek reports.
The system requires a Powerwall 3 home battery and a Wall Connector or Universal Wall Connector charger. After the grid loses power, the vehicle battery will supplement the home’s backup power supply. Tesla says Powerwall 3 owners with a compatible charger do not need additional equipment, but must contact the company’s support service to activate the feature.
Power reserve and limitations
According to Tesla, a Model 3 or Model Y can provide more than two days of backup power for a home that consumes 30 kWh of electricity per day if the vehicle’s charge is 90%. For standard versions, the stated figure is up to two days. The system’s maximum continuous output power with Powerwall is 11.52 kW.
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The feature is guaranteed to be supported by vehicles ordered in the United States and Puerto Rico from October 1, 2026. For Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured earlier, Tesla states that bidirectional power capability is available only in some cars. It depends on the presence of the PCS2 Lite inverter. Owners can check compatibility on the vehicle screen under Software and then Additional Vehicle Information: the feature is available if Powershare Support is marked as enabled.
Which models are not covered
Powershare Home Backup for Model 3 and Model Y currently requires Powerwall 3 specifically. Tesla promises to add support for Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+ later. Owners of these models also cannot sell electricity from the vehicle back to the grid: the Grid Support option is unavailable to them.
Model S and Model X are not included in the program. Previously, Cybertruck was the only Tesla model capable of providing home backup power. Powershare Gateway is also available for it, but Tesla does not offer such an option for Model 3 and Model Y. On the company’s Canadian website, Powershare is still listed only for Cybertruck.
