Using KIA EV6's V2L Function to Safeguard Data Center During Power Outages

Data Center Power Outage Resilience, a Real-World Scenario

(be warned, this post is off-topic)

Longer-lasting grid power outages can pose significant challenges to data centers. In this blog post, we share a real-world scenario where the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function of a KIA EV6 became a lifeline for our data center. Specifically, we'll delve into the steps taken to utilize the KIA EV6 to power the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) of our data center during an outage caused by a planned power grid shutdown.

The Challenge

In this particular instance, our power grid operator scheduled a power shutdown in our area to perform major replacement and upgrade work, leaving the data center without its usual power supply for about two hours. To overcome this challenge, our team decided to leverage a KIA EV6, equipped with a 50-meter extension cable, to provide a continuous power source to the UPS, ensuring uninterrupted service to our IT infrastructure.

👉 Important: Our team tested the capabilities of the KIA EV6 and its compatibility with the UPS days before the planned outage took place while grid power was still available. This is crucial to avoid any unpleasant surprises. As a backup, a professional Diesel-driven power generator was accessible to our team as well. Even if the V2L function of the KIA EV6 had failed, the data center's continued operation was ensured.

Step-by-Step Guide

⚡ Evaluate Compatibility

Before initiating the backup plan, it's crucial to ensure that the KIA EV6's V2L function is compatible with the data center's UPS system. Confirm the power requirements and capabilities of the vehicle and the UPS model (in this case, the SmartUPS 3000 from APC). The KIA EV6 V2L can output up to 3.5kW; our data center requires 1.5kW at max (excluding A/C, which was switched off).

Park the EV6 and Activate V2L Function

Access the KIA EV6's controls to ensure proper V2L functionality. Adjust the minimum battery level for V2L using the infotainment system: we allowed V2L down to 20% of the KIA EV6's battery capacity. If the battery level does not meet this limit, V2L will not work. V2L will also be switched off automatically if this limit is reached, thus take care to charge the KIA beforehand.

🤔 Question for KIA: We were unable to activate the Utility Mode in the KIA's infotainment system (assuming an issue with KIAs infotainment software). Anyway, it turned out, that the Utility Mode was not required to operate V2L for the duration of the outage.

Connect UPS

Open the external charging port, plug in the V2L adapter into the charging port, plug in the extension cable into the V2L adapter, and enable V2L by pressing the button on the adapter (the green light on the adapter goes on).

Securely connect the UPS to the KIA EV6 using the extension cable. The connection must be robust and capable of consistently supplying the required power throughout the outage. To optimize efficiency and minimize potential issues, use an extension cable as short as possible. If you need to use a cable roll, ensure that the complete extension cable is unwound from it.

Monitor UPS Response 

Once the KIA EV6 is supplying power, monitor the response of the UPS. In our scenario, the APC SmartUPS 3000 indicated a "distorted waveform" and "check cabling" ("Verkabelung prüfen" in German) due to the non-traditional power source. Despite these warnings, the UPS continued to function, albeit in a cautious mode.

EV Battery Power for IT Infrastructure

Recognizing the "distorted waveform," the UPS switched to battery power and isolated the connected IT infrastructure from the potentially irregular power supply. This ensured that the critical equipment was shielded from any potential harm.

👍 During the whole outage, no SmartUPS battery drain occurred. The UPS managed the power input and kept the battery charged and ready for any fluctuations or sudden power drops.

If possible, do not leave the car unattended: While the V2L adapter is locked in the charging port during V2L, anyone can unplug the extension cable from the V2L adapter at any time.

🚀Conclusion

A KIA EV6 (77kWh version) provides a huge battery capacity compared to a SmartUPS 3000. Thus, it should be theoretically possible to supply a data center of our size for up to approximately 36 hours using a fully charged KIA with a configured 20% V2L discharging limit.

By leveraging the capabilities of electric vehicles, our team demonstrated a resilient solution to ensure uninterrupted services during a critical period of infrastructure maintenance.