Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has broadened its vehicle-to-everything (V2X) program, allowing more electric vehicle owners in California to earn money by sharing power with the grid. The expansion now covers a wider range of EV models and offers increased incentives for both residential and business customers.
PG&E’s V2X Program Now Covers More EVs
PG&E announced the expansion of its V2X program to include additional electric vehicle models such as the new Chevy Bolt EV, Cadillac Celestiq, Escalade IQL, Nissan Leaf (previous generation), Volvo EX90, Polestar 3, Kia EV9, and Kia EV6. Previously, the program supported models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Equinox EV.
The initiative enables EV owners to use their vehicles as mobile batteries, sending stored electricity back to the grid or powering their homes. This approach can help reduce grid strain during peak demand and provide backup power during outages.
How the Program Works and What’s New
PG&E is collaborating with Bidirectional Energy, a software company that connects EVs to homes and the grid, and PowerFlex, a renewable energy company, to expand V2X adoption across California.
David Almeida, director of clean energy transportation at PG&E, stated, “This expansion is all about choice.” He added, “By broadening the mix of eligible vehicles and chargers, we’re helping our customers access this valuable technology, while also offering them a way to turn their EV into a home backup and a grid asset.”
To participate, customers need compatible vehicles and specialized hardware. For example, the Tesla Cybertruck uses Tesla’s Universal Wall Connector and Powershare Gateway, GM EVs use the PowerShift charger, and Kia EV9 and EV6 models use Wallbox Quasar 2 chargers. PG&E provides a full list of compatible vehicles and chargers.
Incentives and Earning Potential
Residential customers can receive up to $2,500 (~AUD 3,488) for installation, with the amount rising to $3,000 (~AUD 4,186) for those in disadvantaged communities. There is also a $1,500 (~AUD 2,093) Early Adopter incentive for the first 250 participants.
Business customers are eligible for incentives up to $4,500 (~AUD 6,278), or $5,000 (~AUD 6,976) in disadvantaged communities. The enrollment period for the program runs through June 2027.
According to PG&E’s Home Flex pricing chart, customers could earn between 5 cents and 50 cents per kilowatt-hour on August 23, depending on hourly electricity rates, which fluctuate based on transmission costs, grid demand, time of day, and weather.
Why this matters
The expansion of PG&E’s V2X program gives more EV owners the opportunity to lower their energy bills and support California’s electric grid. By enabling vehicles to send power back to the grid, the program helps manage demand during peak periods and increases energy resilience for both homes and businesses.
With more eligible vehicles and higher incentives, the program could accelerate the adoption of bidirectional charging technology across the state.
What this means for buyers
If you own or are considering purchasing an eligible EV in California, you may now qualify for financial incentives to install V2X hardware and participate in PG&E’s program. Check PG&E’s list of compatible vehicles and chargers to see if your model is included.
Enrolling early could provide additional benefits, especially for those in disadvantaged communities or among the first 250 participants. This is a chance to reduce your energy costs and contribute to grid stability.
Key Specs
- Eligible Vehicles: Chevy Bolt EV, Cadillac Celestiq, Escalade IQL, Nissan Leaf (previous gen), Volvo EX90, Polestar 3, Kia EV9, Kia EV6, Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Equinox EV
- Residential Incentive: Up to $2,500 (~AUD 3,488) ($3,000 (~AUD 4,186) in disadvantaged communities)
- Early Adopter Incentive: $1,500 (~AUD 2,093) for first 250 customers
- Business Incentive: Up to $4,500 (~AUD 6,278) ($5,000 (~AUD 6,976) in disadvantaged communities)
- Enrollment Period: Through June 2027
- Potential Earnings: 5 to 50 cents per kWh (as of August 23, 2026)
- Required Hardware: Tesla Universal Wall Connector + Powershare Gateway, GM PowerShift charger, Wallbox Quasar 2 (Kia EV9/EV6)
Source
Images sourced from: electrek.co, chargedevs.com
