PG&E Expands V2X Bidirectional Charging Program: California EV Owners Can Earn by Supplying Power to the Grid

PG&E Expands V2X Program to Include Eight New EV Models

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), a California utility company, announced on August 24 the expansion of its vehicle-to-everything (V2X) bidirectional charging program. The expansion adds eight new electric vehicle (EV) models, allowing owners to supply power from their vehicle batteries to the grid and earn payments. This move means more California EV owners can participate in the program, reducing household energy costs while helping stabilize the power grid.

PG&E stated that the newly included models are the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Cadillac Celestiq, Escalade IQL from General Motors, as well as the previous-generation Nissan Leaf, Volvo EX90, Polestar 3, Kia EV9, and Kia EV6. Previously compatible models, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck, remain part of the program. PG&E emphasized that this expansion aims to offer consumers more choices, transforming EVs from mere transportation tools into home backup power sources and grid assets.

PG&E also announced partnerships with bidirectional energy management company Bidirectional Energy and charging solutions provider PowerFlex. These collaborations integrate EVs, homes, and the grid through a unified platform, enabling EV owners to earn money by supplying power. PG&E’s Director of Clean Energy Transportation noted that this initiative will enhance the interaction between EVs and the grid, improving energy efficiency.

Incentive Programs and Participation Requirements

PG&E is offering residential customers up to $2,500 in V2X installation incentives, with disadvantaged community residents eligible for up to $3,000. The first 250 participants will receive an additional $1,500 as an early adopter bonus. Business customers can receive up to $4,500 in incentives, or $5,000 for those in disadvantaged communities. The enrollment period runs through June 2027.

Participation in the program requires specific charging equipment. For example, the Tesla Cybertruck can supply power using the Universal Wall Connector with the Powershare Gateway system, General Motors vehicles are compatible with the PowerShift charger, and the Kia EV9 and EV6 require Wallbox Quasar 2 chargers. PG&E has published a complete list of compatible vehicles and chargers for consumer reference.

Revenue Model and Electricity Pricing Mechanism

EV owners can charge their vehicles during off-peak hours, such as at night when electricity prices are lower, and sell power back to the grid during peak hours, such as daytime, to reduce household energy expenses. PG&E explained that electricity prices fluctuate hourly based on transmission costs, grid demand, time of day, and weather conditions. For example, on August 23, 2023, the price for selling electricity back to the grid ranged from $0.05 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour.

PG&E noted that earnings from V2X may not be immediately significant in the short term. Owners primarily reduce their electricity bills by minimizing purchases from the grid. Actual earnings may only occur if the value of sold electricity exceeds household energy costs. Currently, V2X technology remains in the pilot phase, requiring integration of specific vehicle models, chargers, and software platforms. PG&E’s expansion of the program is seen as a critical step toward broader adoption of bidirectional charging.

Bidirectional charging technology allows EVs not only to consume power but also to feed electricity back into the grid when needed, helping alleviate peak demand pressure. PG&E stated that as more vehicle models join the program, more consumers will benefit, further advancing California’s energy transition.

PG&E Expands Bidirectional Charging Program to Include Chevy Bolt EV, Kia EV9, Offering Up to $3,000 in Incentives

PG&E Expands V2X Program to Include Eight New EV Models

Incentive Programs and Participation Requirements

Revenue Model and Electricity Pricing Mechanism

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