Tesla Model 3 Gets V2L Upgrade in Select Markets, U.S. Left Out for Now
New 16-inch screen and black headliner included, but V2L initially limited to China, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea.
Tesla is rolling out significant hardware updates to the Model 3, including vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality and a larger infotainment screen, but the initial rollout excludes the United States.
What Happened
Model 3s delivered starting in the fourth quarter of this year in China, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea will feature V2L capability via an adapter. This allows owners to power tools, appliances, or camping equipment with a combined draw of up to 2.2 kilowatts through the charging port. Alongside the energy export feature, the updated sedan receives a 16-inch central touchscreen with improved pixel density, replacing the previous 15.4-inch display. Interior and exterior changes include a black headliner, a new Zen Grey seat color, and 19-inch Dark Nova wheels. All Model Y versions sold in these specific markets are also receiving V2L functionality.
Why It Matters
For U.S. customers, the exclusion highlights a continued regional disparity in Tesla's feature availability. Currently, only the Cybertruck, Model Y Premium, Model Y L, and Model Y Performance offer V2L out of the box in the U.S., while the entry-level Model Y and Model 3 do not. The updated Model 3's V2L hardware cannot be retrofitted to older models due to differing internal components, meaning current owners cannot add this capability. While the 2.2-kilowatt output is insufficient to power an entire house, it provides essential backup power for items like refrigerators during outages. Tesla has indicated that other countries are expected to receive the feature in the following months, suggesting a delayed but eventual U.S. rollout.
The Bottom Line
Tesla is modernizing the Model 3 with V2L, a larger screen, and aesthetic updates, but American buyers must wait for the feature to expand beyond the initial four international markets.
