GM and PG&E Launch Pilot Program for EV Home Backup Power Discounts

GM and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) introduce a pilot program offering a $4,500 discount on home backup power equipment for eligible EV owners in California. Learn more about bidirectional charging benefits.

General Motors EV owners in California now have a chance to significantly cut costs on home backup power installation. In partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), GM has launched a pilot program offering a $4,500 discount on bidirectional charging equipment. This initiative allows EVs to do more than just drive—they can serve as a backup power source for homes during outages and, in the future, potentially help stabilize the electrical grid.

The program is available to PG&E customers in Northern and Central California. Eligible GM EV owners can purchase GM Energy's PowerShift Charger and the V2H Enablement Kit, which includes an inverter and a "dark start" battery. So far, the program covers models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Blazer EV, Equinox EV, GMC Sierra EV, and Cadillac Lyriq (2024 and 2025 models), with plans to expand eligibility to all GM 2025 EVs soon.

Additionally, participants can earn extra incentives if they agree to temporarily pause EV charging during peak energy demand times. This strategy is part of an effort to explore vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration, which could allow EVs to send power back to the grid and support grid stability.

GM has been discussing bidirectional charging capabilities for years, but this program marks one of its first real-world tests. Unlike Ford, which already offers a V2H system for the F-150 Lightning, or Nissan, whose Leaf supports V2G with certified chargers, GM has so far focused on pilot projects rather than full-scale deployment. Meanwhile, Tesla, with its new Cybertruck, is also entering the home energy storage market, offering similar capabilities.

The GM-PG&E initiative is not just about technology—it’s also about economic benefits. Using an EV as a backup power source reduces reliance on the grid and helps lower electricity bills. In the long run, such programs could become a key component of smart grid solutions, improving power reliability and reducing strain on infrastructure during peak demand.

This pilot project could be a significant step toward broader adoption of V2H and V2G technologies. If successful, GM might consider expanding the program to other regions in the U.S. and potentially beyond.

Source: greencarreports.com