California’s electric vehicles are taking on a bigger role in the state’s energy system. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has expanded its residential Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) program, adding more eligible EVs, bidirectional chargers and technology partners.
Announced August 24, 2026, the expansion adds Bidirectional Energy and PowerFlex as approved partners and broadens the program to vehicles from Kia, Volvo, Polestar and Nissan. PG&E says the goal is to give customers more choice while helping EV batteries support homes and the electric grid.
What Is PG&E’s Bidirectional EV Charging Program?
Bidirectional charging allows electricity to move both into and out of an electric vehicle battery. Instead of an EV only consuming electricity, a compatible vehicle can act as a mobile energy-storage system.
Through PG&E’s V2X program, participating customers can use compatible EVs and chargers to provide temporary backup power during an outage, manage household electricity costs and, where supported, send electricity back to the grid during periods of high demand.
New EVs and Chargers Join the Program
PG&E’s expanded residential program includes several new vehicle-and-charger combinations. Newly eligible options include:
- Nissan Leaf (2018–2025) with the dcbel Ara bidirectional charger
- Volvo EX90 (2025) with the dcbel Ara charger
- Polestar 3 (2025) with the dcbel Ara charger
- Kia EV9 (2024 and newer) with the Wallbox Quasar 2 charger
- Kia EV6 (2025 and newer) with the Wallbox Quasar 2 charger
PG&E has also expanded its eligible vehicle list with additional General Motors models. The program already included qualifying vehicles from Ford, Tesla, Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac.
Up to $13,000 in Additional Incentives
Some of the newly added vehicle-and-charger combinations may qualify for up to $13,000 in additional incentives through California Energy Commission grant funding, subject to eligibility requirements. PG&E also offers program incentives to help customers adopt bidirectional charging equipment.
According to PG&E, residential customers can receive incentives for eligible equipment, while additional requirements apply to participation. Customers should verify the current eligible-product list and program rules before purchasing equipment.
Why Bidirectional Charging Matters for EV Owners
For EV owners, bidirectional charging can turn a large battery into more than a transportation energy source. During a power outage, a compatible EV can provide temporary backup power. During expensive electricity periods, stored vehicle energy can potentially help reduce household electricity costs. In supported configurations, EVs can also contribute electricity to the grid when demand is high.
This technology is especially important in California, where utilities are working to integrate more renewable energy and flexible energy storage into the electric system.
What EV Owners Should Know Before Buying a Bidirectional Charger
Not every EV supports bidirectional charging, and compatibility depends on the exact vehicle, charger and electrical setup. PG&E recommends checking the eligible-product list and discussing V2X readiness with a qualified electrician before purchasing equipment.
Customers can also explore EV charging options through EVWAT’s EV Chargers collection and learn more about EV equipment in EVWAT’s EV accessories guide.
The Bigger Picture
PG&E’s expansion is another sign that EV charging is moving beyond one-way energy consumption. As more vehicles and chargers become capable of bidirectional power flow, EV batteries could become an increasingly useful resource for homeowners and the electric grid.
PG&E’s V2X enrollment window is currently scheduled to remain open through June 30, 2027, although eligibility and program rules can change. EV owners should check PG&E’s official program information before making an installation decision.
Sources: PG&E announcement and PG&E V2X program information.