
GM enables EV owners to sell electricity back to the grid
GM enables EV owners to sell electricity back to the grid
- General Motors is enhancing its vehicle-to-home energy system with a software update.
- The update allows EV owners to sell electricity back to the power grid during peak demand.
- This initiative aims to integrate EVs into grid-balancing protocols and promote a more resilient energy future.
Story
In the United States, General Motors announced a significant software update for its electric vehicles (EVs) on June 11, 2026. This update enhances the vehicle-to-home energy system, allowing certain EV owners to send electricity back to the power grid. This capability is particularly beneficial during peak demand periods, enabling owners to sell power to utility providers. GM currently has over 250,000 bidirectional capable vehicles on U.S. roads, which can collectively power approximately 120,000 homes for up to a week. The company is actively testing this technology in collaboration with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and DTE Energy in Michigan, aiming to integrate EVs into grid-balancing protocols by 2030. GM's Vice President Wade Sheffer emphasized the importance of maintaining a reliable and affordable grid while navigating the challenges of rapid innovation in the energy sector. The company is also focused on increasing consumer participation in utility programs by providing clear incentives and streamlining the process for purchasing and installing bidirectional chargers. This initiative reflects a broader vision of utilizing community parking lots and driveways as distributed power assets, contributing to a more resilient energy future.