PSE tests bidirectional charging: electric cars become generators for home and grid

Puget Sound Energy launches V2H pilot with Ford and Kia, using EV batteries for residential power supply and grid support, with completion expected in 2027.

Summary of PSE's bidirectional charging pilot

Puget Sound Energy has launched a bidirectional electric vehicle charging pilot in its service territory, marking the first project of this kind in Washington. The test began last month and uses EV batteries to power the residence while simultaneously offering support for grid reliability during peak demand periods.

The program is conducted in partnership with Ford, Kia, Wallbox, and ChargeScape, a vehicle-to-grid integration platform. Participating owners will be able to use their cars' batteries to keep the home running during power outages, in addition to assisting the grid during high-demand moments.

ChargeScape described the project as a technological demonstration scheduled to last until the first quarter of 2027. The initial set of vehicles includes three Ford F-150 Lightnings and two Kia EV9s.

Use cases under evaluation

• Time-of-Use Optimization: vehicles charge when energy is cheapest and discharge during peak hours, helping to reduce the energy bill.
• Demand Response: the grid can request that batteries discharge to stabilize the system during consumption peaks.

Research indicates that managed charging can reduce peak demand by 50% or more, according to a study commissioned by EnergyHub involving 58 drivers in Washington.

Participants and goals

In addition to the automakers, the project involves Wallbox and ChargeScape to facilitate coordination between vehicles, grids, and chargers. The partnership with Autogrid (now part of Uplight) seeks to achieve up to 100 MW of virtual power plant capacity in two years, exploring the use of distributed energy resources to balance the grid.

Regulatory context and future

The pilot may expand as bidirectional vehicle and charging partner advancements progress, subject to new approvals from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC). In 2023, the WUTC already authorized limited demonstrations of EV technology to support the utility's energy transition.

The Washington region is ambitiously adopting the electric vehicle agenda, aligning environmental policy goals with 2035 targets for zero-emission vehicles. A 2022 law sets a non-binding 2030 target for 100% of new light-duty vehicle sales to be electric, while market trends indicate challenges in reaching this milestone.

Next steps

Technical results and participant feedback should guide future development and deployment of solutions, including possible expansion of the bidirectional charging program, subject to WUTC regulatory approval.

What do you think about the viability of V2H in residential scenarios? Do you believe this type of solution can transform the way you consume energy daily? Leave your comment below with your opinion.