GM Unveils Software Update Allowing Select EV Owners to Sell Power Back to the Grid
A ‘Mornings with Maria’ panel analyzes the markets, the impact from the conflict in Iran, and investing in companies that the government has a stake in.
General Motors recently announced an innovative software update that enables certain electric vehicle (EV) owners to send power back to the electric grid. This update enhances GM’s existing vehicle-to-home energy system, which allows EVs to power homes during blackouts, by adding the capability to return electricity to the grid.
With this new feature, EV owners can sell surplus power back to utility providers during peak demand times, creating a potential revenue stream while helping stabilize the grid. GM views EVs as a valuable resource for balancing the electric grid, especially in light of increasing demands from AI data centers and extreme weather events.
Currently, GM has over 250,000 bidirectional-capable vehicles on U.S. roads, and the company plans to incorporate vehicle-to-grid technology in all future EV models. This initiative is part of GM’s broader strategy to leverage its EV fleet for grid support.
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GM’s vehicle-to-grid energy program would let consumers charge more cheaply and be compensated when their EV’s power is sent back to the grid to support it during peak demand. (Megan Varner/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
According to GM, these 250,000 EVs have the capacity to power approximately 120,000 homes for up to a week. The company is actively testing vehicle-grid integration technology in collaboration with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and anticipates that by 2030, over 52,000 GM EVs will be involved in grid-balancing efforts.
In Michigan, GM is conducting tests with DTE Energy, utilizing the homes of GM employees to develop reliable backup capacity that aligns with the preferences of both homeowners and EV owners. Wade Sheffer, GM Energy Vice President, emphasized that this initiative is beneficial for customers, automakers, and utilities alike.
INSIDE GM’S $242M PUSH TO REBUILD AMERICA’S SKILLED TRADES WORKFORCE
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GM | GENERAL MOTORS CO. | 79.40 | -4.36 | -5.21% |
Sheffer stated, “Maintaining a safe, reliable, and affordable grid is paramount. This transition won’t be easy, and we deeply respect the challenge of balancing day-to-day grid reliability with rapid innovation.” He outlined three key areas where utilities, regulators, and automakers can work together to simplify the process.
These areas include increasing customer enrollment in utility programs, educating consumers about EV grid support, and developing best practices through ongoing regional pilot projects.
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GM aims to have over 50,000 of its EVs participating in grid-balancing by 2030. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
GM believes that consumers will be more inclined to participate in these programs when provided with clear incentives. This includes expanding localized, time-of-use tariffs, which would allow EV owners to charge at lower costs during periods of energy surplus and receive fair compensation for supporting the grid during peak demand.
Additionally, GM plans to streamline the paperwork and engineering reviews necessary for utility interconnections, enhancing consumer confidence in purchasing and installing bidirectional chargers.
In Sheffer’s words, “It’s time for us to look at parking lots and driveways across our communities as a massive, distributed power asset waiting to be integrated. By working together, we can help secure an affordable, reliable, and resilient energy future for everyone.”
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Reuters contributed to this report.
A ‘Mornings with Maria’ panel analyzes the markets, the impact from the conflict in Iran, and investing in companies that the government has a stake in.
General Motors recently announced an innovative software update that enables certain electric vehicle (EV) owners to send power back to the electric grid. This update enhances GM’s existing vehicle-to-home energy system, which allows EVs to power homes during blackouts, by adding the capability to return electricity to the grid.
With this new feature, EV owners can sell surplus power back to utility providers during peak demand times, creating a potential revenue stream while helping stabilize the grid. GM views EVs as a valuable resource for balancing the electric grid, especially in light of increasing demands from AI data centers and extreme weather events.
Currently, GM has over 250,000 bidirectional-capable vehicles on U.S. roads, and the company plans to incorporate vehicle-to-grid technology in all future EV models. This initiative is part of GM’s broader strategy to leverage its EV fleet for grid support.
AUTO INDUSTRY TRADE GROUP URGES FEDS TO SCRAP GAS TAX AND REPLACE IT WITH A VEHICLE WEIGHT FEE
GM’s vehicle-to-grid energy program would let consumers charge more cheaply and be compensated when their EV’s power is sent back to the grid to support it during peak demand. (Megan Varner/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
According to GM, these 250,000 EVs have the capacity to power approximately 120,000 homes for up to a week. The company is actively testing vehicle-grid integration technology in collaboration with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and anticipates that by 2030, over 52,000 GM EVs will be involved in grid-balancing efforts.
In Michigan, GM is conducting tests with DTE Energy, utilizing the homes of GM employees to develop reliable backup capacity that aligns with the preferences of both homeowners and EV owners. Wade Sheffer, GM Energy Vice President, emphasized that this initiative is beneficial for customers, automakers, and utilities alike.
INSIDE GM’S $242M PUSH TO REBUILD AMERICA’S SKILLED TRADES WORKFORCE
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GM | GENERAL MOTORS CO. | 79.40 | -4.36 | -5.21% |
Sheffer stated, “Maintaining a safe, reliable, and affordable grid is paramount. This transition won’t be easy, and we deeply respect the challenge of balancing day-to-day grid reliability with rapid innovation.” He outlined three key areas where utilities, regulators, and automakers can work together to simplify the process.
These areas include increasing customer enrollment in utility programs, educating consumers about EV grid support, and developing best practices through ongoing regional pilot projects.
GM TAKES $7B HIT AFTER SHIFTING EV STRATEGY DUE TO SLOWING DEMAND
GM aims to have over 50,000 of its EVs participating in grid-balancing by 2030. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
GM believes that consumers will be more inclined to participate in these programs when provided with clear incentives. This includes expanding localized, time-of-use tariffs, which would allow EV owners to charge at lower costs during periods of energy surplus and receive fair compensation for supporting the grid during peak demand.
Additionally, GM plans to streamline the paperwork and engineering reviews necessary for utility interconnections, enhancing consumer confidence in purchasing and installing bidirectional chargers.
In Sheffer’s words, “It’s time for us to look at parking lots and driveways across our communities as a massive, distributed power asset waiting to be integrated. By working together, we can help secure an affordable, reliable, and resilient energy future for everyone.”
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Reuters contributed to this report.
