Today, let's talk about a hot topic in the field of new energy vehicles: external discharge function. In fact, it has quietly become the standard configuration of many new energy vehicles. There are two main uses for external discharge. The first is V2L, which is to power household appliances, such as induction cookers and barbecue grills, with a general power of less than 6.6kW. The second is V2V, which allows one car to charge another.
BYD took the lead, and other car companies followed
Let's talk about BYD first, this company really dares to think and do. As early as 2015, BYD's cars began to be equipped with an external discharge function, and now all models have this configuration. For example, even the cheapest Seagull has an external discharge function of 3.3kW. Mainstream car companies such as BAIC, Geely, and GAC have also followed suit. But did you know that Tesla and NIO, which are well-known brands, have not yet equipped their cars with this feature? Why is that?
Tesla vs. NIO's Choice: Cost and Demand Considerations
Tesla said at an investor conference in March this year that for them, external discharge is not a problem that needs to be solved urgently. Their focus now is on cost reduction. It sounds reasonable, but Tesla has been working hard to make electric vehicles more democratic. Tesla plans to come up with a plan in the next two years that can both reduce costs and achieve external discharge.
Looking at NIO again, they have different views. NIO believes that the V2L function is a low-frequency requirement, which means that most users cannot use it. Therefore, all models of NIO's second-generation platform have canceled the AC charging port, and are not equipped with OBC (two-way on-board charger), but have launched the original charging and discharging all-in-one machine. This way, only users who really need it will pay extra.
Cost vs. Technology: Constraints
Let's dig a little deeper. It is not difficult to realize the external discharge function of the original car. Just add a two-way OBC to the car, and the cost is about 4000-5000 yuan. It can convert the direct current of the power battery pack into 220V alternating current, and realize the power through the AC port or discharge socket panel. But this will increase the cost of the vehicle, which is obviously a consideration point for brands that focus on cost control.
Future Trend: Reduction of AC charging
In addition, with the popularization of high-power DC fast charging, there are fewer and fewer application scenarios for AC slow charging. Many new public chargers no longer support AC charging, and even some brands of home chargers only offer DC chargers. This means that AC charging ports and OBC may no longer be a "necessity" for new energy vehicles.
Conclusion: wait and see
Will the external discharge function become the standard configuration of new energy vehicles in the future, or will it be replaced by new technologies and solutions? This is really a topic worth paying attention to. I think that whether it is external discharge or other functions, every choice of new energy vehicle companies is promoting the development of the industry in their unique way. As for external discharge, let's wait and see!