Tesla Model 3 and Model Y can finally power your home

Tesla has switched on a feature that lets the Model 3 and Model Y send power back into your house during an outage, something only the Cybertruck could do until now. You plug the car into a Wall Connector (Tesla's home charging unit) at a house that also has a Powerwall 3, Tesla's home battery. Tesla says a Model 3 or Model Y can add more than two days of backup power for a home using 30 kWh a day, starting from a 90% charge.

There are real catches. Tesla guarantees the feature only on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles ordered since October 1, 2026, in the US and Puerto Rico. Earlier cars may or may not have the right hardware inside — owners can check their touchscreen under Software, then Additional Vehicle Information, for a "Powershare Support" listing. You also need a Powerwall 3 specifically; older Powerwall models aren't supported yet, and there's no backup option at all without a Powerwall. The feature won't let you sell power back to the grid, and it doesn't apply to the Model S or Model X. If you already own a Powerwall 3 and Wall Connector, Tesla says no new equipment is needed, just a call to Tesla support to get it turned on.

For context, Ford and GM have offered similar home-backup capability on their electric trucks and SUVs for a few years already, so this brings Tesla's two most common models in line with what some other automakers already provide.