Keep your lights on using your EV


Through new bidirectional charger technology, your vehicle becomes a battery, storing electricity that can be used for your property in times of need and can provide savings on your electric bill. PG&E’s Vehicle to Everything (V2X) pilots offer incentives to help customers access this technology when available in early 2023.


  • Power your property temporarily when there is an electrical outage
  • Charge your vehicle during times when electricity is less expensive and use vehicle power when it’s more expensive (4pm-9pm)
  • Earn additional incentives by sending electricity to the grid during times of high demand

Enrollment into PG&E’s Vehicle to Everything (V2X) pilot programs will begin in early 2023, once the vehicles and other required equipment are more widely available. Pre-enrollment is currently available to allow customers to:


  • express interest
  • reserve a rebate and opportunity to enroll when the technology is available

Understand the technology


Key components of how a Vehicle-to-Everything system works:


  • Electric vehicle battery: Most batteries currently used for electric vehicles are Lithium-ion, a type of battery technology that is compact and able to charge and discharge quickly and efficiently. Lithium-ion batteries are also used in laptops and phones.
  • Electric vehicle charger:
    • Inverter: Converts stored direct current (DC) electricity from your vehicle battery to alternating current (AC) electricity which is used by your property and PG&E’s grid. Inverters allow electricity to flow from your vehicle to your property or the grid and can be located as part of the charger, a separate electrical box and in your vehicle.
    • Wiring and backup power configuration: Can be configured to either power your whole property or only essential items during a power outage. Talk to your system provider to determine what backup power setup is best suited to your needs.
  • Smart energy management software and communication technology: Automates charging and discharging and monitors system performance to ensure product safety and reliability. This software can be programmed to reserve a portion of your battery’s charge so that you always have enough for your transportation needs. Some system providers offer a way to automatically charge your battery when energy is cheaper and discharge when it’s more expensive.

1. Choose your vehicle.


Select a vehicle with bidirectional charging on the approved vehicles list (list to be posted soon).



2. Select a compatible charger.


Ensure there’s a bidirectional charger available to support your vehicle choice before you finalize your purchase decision together.



3. Find the right installer.


Unless you have an existing 208/240-volt outlet, you’ll need to work with an electrician who is certified by the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program.

Frequently asked questions