Tesla owner eyes Model YL as extra home battery, but PowerShare still needs an updateThe Cool DownVivian TranSun, September 13, 2026 at 8:53 PM UTCAdd us on GooglePhoto Credit: TeslaFor homeowners looking to get a little more out of their solar setup, using an electric vehicle as extra home battery storage is an easy idea to grasp.One Tesla owner is already eyeing a Model YL as a possible way to keep the house powered longer after sunset.Here's what to knowA summer cooling load is what sent one Reddit user looking for more storage."This is enough most of the time to get me through the night, but during summer with AC on, the battery generally hits backup reserve at around 9-10pm," they wrote.AdvertisementAdvertisementTo cover that gap, they said they are looking at a Model YL for Tesla's vehicle-to-home PowerShare function.One commenter said Tesla's site says the capability is still "coming with a future software update."Adding battery storage is one of the most effective ways to protect a home during outages, lower energy costs, and reduce reliance on the grid. It can also help households use more of their own solar energy at night instead of buying pricier electricity from utility providers.More stored energy could mean fewer hours relying on utility electricity during costly evening periods, along with stronger backup support during outages. If the feature works as expected, a household could potentially avoid buying more dedicated battery hardware while also adding a new vehicle.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you're comparing battery options, you can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage choices, including competitive installation estimates. EnergySage has also teamed up with the electrification brand Qmerit to guarantee you get the best price on home battery storage solutions. Another option is Pila, whose plug-and-play batteries cost a fraction of a whole-home backup system.More background"I don't think battery degradation will be a concern," the original poster wrote. "Wondering how easy it will be to do this."The thread then turned to how the setup might actually work. The poster wrote that, based on their research, "All we need to do is tap Go Off Grid on Tesla app and everything should work."Another commenter, though, raised a different use case: "I was hoping to use the vehicle's battery to offset grid use in the evening, but charge up overnight when rates are near zero from my provider."AdvertisementAdvertisementA battery system that can automatically shift among solar energy, stored power, and cheap overnight charging can deliver meaningful savings over time. A system that requires manual switching is far less convenient, especially for households hoping to use it every day rather than only during outages.Cost was another reason the idea drew interest. One commenter said Tesla wants "close to $20k for a pair of PW3 expansion packs," which made an EV that could also serve as backup power seem much more appealing on paper.What can be done?The Reddit discussion suggests PowerShare with the Model YL could be useful, but not seamless yet.Consumers considering a new EV partly for home backup should verify software availability, wiring requirements, and whether the system can operate automatically or only when manually switched off-grid. Those details could make the difference between a helpful emergency feature and a true everyday energy tool.Where can I learn more?Software support, equipment costs, and battery wear all matter if you plan to lean on an EV for home energy. They also make it easier to compare a Tesla-based setup with other backup options already on the market.AdvertisementAdvertisement• Electricians are steering homeowners toward next-gen home battery alternatives when Tesla backup costs climb.• Ohme's smarter home charger is offering EV owners an easy tech swap for daily charging.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
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