Electric vehicle becomes home generator during power outages: PSE tests V2H with ChargeScape

PSE and ChargeScape assess V2H to use EVs as home backup, featuring Ford, Kia, and Wallbox, aiming for greater energy resilience and future expansion.

Electric vehicle that becomes a home generator is already a reality in Bellevue

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and ChargeScape are testing a technology called V2H, which allows electric vehicles to supply energy to homes during outages. The pilot is taking place in Bellevue, Washington state, and uses the energy stored in the vehicle's battery to keep the house running when there is a power outage.

The project involves partnering with the industry to transform EVs into distributed energy sources, helping to keep the grid stable even during peak times or adverse weather events.

How it works and which vehicles are involved

The V2H system allows bidirectional vehicles to enter the home's energy flow, functioning as backup. Furthermore, the technology can help reduce costs by charging during low-tariff hours and using the stored energy during price peaks.

In this initiative, the first target models include the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Kia EV9, with the goal of transforming EVs into resilient resources for the home and the grid.

Why this matters for the region

The demonstration seeks to address growing energy pressures in the Pacific Northwest region, such as rising energy costs during peak hours, increased weather-related outages, and greater integration of renewable sources. The pilot also aims to collect data on system integration, interconnection, customer usage, and impacts on the grid and billing, to guide possible future expansion.

Who participates and next steps

The initial program is restricted to PSE employees with compatible bidirectional vehicles, according to the interconnection process. The idea is to expand participation to general customers starting in 2027, as lessons learned from the pilot translate into broader deployment.

The initiative leverages ChargeScape's experience with major automakers, including Ford, BMW, Honda, Stellantis, Tesla, and Nissan, as well as charging infrastructure providers, with the goal of developing a large Virtual Power Plant (VPP) of EVs to support grid capacity.

Conclusion and future vision

By positioning electric vehicles as distributed energy resources, the PSE-ChargeScape partnership intends to make the grid more resilient and flexible, benefiting entire communities in the face of power outages and price fluctuations. What do you think of this trend of turning your car into a home energy source?

Leave your comment below with your questions, opinions, or if you would consider adopting V2H if it were offered by your dealership.