Beyond driving, the Tesla Cybertruck can now serve as a backup power source for the home with the right hardware.
Here's what to know
As MotorBiscuit reports, some Cybertruck owners can connect the truck to a Powerwall 3 for backup use at home. Tesla's Wall Connector is also required to turn on the export feature.
Tesla says adding the Cybertruck can extend backup by more than three days, with storage comparable to about nine additional Powerwalls. The company also says both the vehicle's export feature and the Powerwall 3 support up to 11.5 kilowatts of AC output.
Battery storage can keep key appliances, lights, and devices running when the grid goes down. It can also reduce energy costs by storing power for later use and, in some cases, help households move closer to living off-grid.
To compare your options, explore EnergySage for information on home battery storage and competitive installation estimates. EnergySage has 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
Tesla had been talking about vehicle-to-home, or V2H, use for the Cybertruck since early deliveries began. The newer version builds on that idea by linking the pickup to Tesla's stationary home energy gear.
This isn't Tesla's first attempt at Cybertruck home backup. In 2024, the company introduced a setup using a Powershare Gateway and Tesla's Universal Wall Connector, but because the Gateway stored no electricity, the truck itself had to supply the backup power.
With this update, the Cybertruck can support a larger home-energy setup rather than acting only as an emergency battery. Tesla says Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+ support is expected.
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What can be done?
EVs can also become part of a household resilience plan, especially in places where storms, wildfire risk, or grid strain make outages more common.
For drivers considering whether making your next car an EV makes sense, home charging remains one of the biggest money-saving advantages. Charging an EV at home is significantly cheaper than relying on public chargers. Homeowners interested in faster charging can also use Qmerit for free, instant Level 2 charger installation estimates.
Where can I learn more?
The Cybertruck's backup-power rollout puts the spotlight on home charging, charger reliability, and the tradeoffs of relying on one EV ecosystem. These articles look at how Tesla owners are balancing electricity costs, equipment headaches, and the everyday benefits that still make EV ownership appealing.
• Some Tesla drivers are testing low-cost home charging setups even as electricity bills draw scrutiny.
• Meanwhile, some owners say Cybertruck charging failures persist, fueling questions about a potential Tesla recall.
• For many households, major savings with EV driving still help justify charging at home.
• At some Tesla sites, vandalism at charging stations is adding another headache for drivers.
• In China, Zeekr is rolling out a driver-assist feature that could pressure Tesla.
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