PG&E Adds Chevy Bolt, Kia EV9 to V2X Program
Pacific Gas & Electric expands its vehicle-to-everything program to include the Chevy Bolt EV, Kia EV9, and other models, offering up to $3,000 in incentives for residential customers and $5,000 for businesses in disadvantaged communities.
PG&E announced Monday that its vehicle-to-everything (V2X) program now accepts a broader range of electric vehicles, including the Chevy Bolt EV and the Kia EV9.
Expanded Vehicle Eligibility
The utility’s latest rollout lists several new models that can participate. The program now covers:
| Vehicle | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Chevy Bolt EV | General Motors |
| Cadillac Celestiq | General Motors |
| Escalade IQL | General Motors |
| Nissan Leaf (previous gen) | Nissan |
| Volvo EX90 | Volvo |
| Polestar 3 | Polestar |
| Kia EV9 | Kia |
| Kia EV6 | Kia |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | Ford |
| Tesla Cybertruck | Tesla |
Earlier, GM models such as the Silverado EV and Equinox EV were already compatible.
PG&E said the expansion is “all about choice,” adding that a wider mix of vehicles and chargers gives customers a way to turn their EV into a home backup and a grid asset.
Hardware and Software Requirements
To send power back to the grid, owners need specialized hardware. PG&E partners with Bidirectional Energy, a platform that connects EVs to homes and the grid, and with PowerFlex to broaden adoption.
- Tesla Cybertruck can export power using Tesla’s Universal Wall Connector home Level 2 charger plus its Powershare Gateway system.
- GM EVs use the company’s PowerShift charger.
- Kia EV9 and EV6 can send power with Wallbox Quasar 2 chargers.
The utility maintains a full list of compatible vehicles and chargers.
Incentives and Earnings
Residential customers can receive up to $2,500 for installation, rising to $3,000 for those in disadvantaged communities. A separate $1,500 Early Adopter incentive is available for the first 250 customers.
Businesses may earn up to $4,500, increasing to $5,000 for those in disadvantaged communities. Enrollment runs through June 2027.
PG&E’s hourly electricity rates vary daily. According to the Home Flex pricing chart, customers could earn between 5 cents and 50 cents per kilowatt-hour on August 23.
The value of exported electricity must exceed the cost of the energy consumed by the home for savings to turn into earnings.
How V2X Works
EVs act as mobile power banks. They can absorb large amounts of electricity at charging stations and, when equipped with the right hardware, feed that stored energy back to homes, appliances, or the grid.
This capability can reduce strain on the grid during peak demand and provide backup power during outages. Customers may not see an immediate boost in their bank account, but they can lower their home energy bill by charging when rates are low and exporting when rates are high.
PG&E’s program remains a pilot, but the expansion is a step toward making bidirectional charging useful to a larger pool of EV owners.
The information comes from InsideEVs, reporting the details of PG&E’s V2X expansion.
Source: InsideEVs