Bidirectional Energy, a software provider for electric vehicle (EV) flexible energy resources, has partnered with Wallbox, a global EV charging and energy management solution provider, to launch North America’s inaugural multi-state bidirectional charging program across 180 homes in California and Connecticut. The program aims to enable Kia EV9 owners to utilize Wallbox’s Quasar 2 bidirectional charger and Bidirectional Energy’s virtual power plant (VPP) platform to reduce energy costs, support the power grid, and advance flexible energy systems in the United States. The initiative is planned for expansion to include additional vehicles and households in the future.
Developed in collaboration with local utilities and stakeholders in both states, the program offers participants significant incentives. Customers in California can receive up to $8,800 towards charger and installation costs, while those in Connecticut are eligible for up to $10,800. Additionally, participants are projected to save up to $1,500 annually on energy bills and earn up to $1,350 from grid support activities in their respective states. These incentives are designed to simplify the adoption of bidirectional charging technology.
Frances Bell, CEO at Bidirectional Energy, stated, “A key aim of Bidirectional Energy is to make it easy and desirable for drivers to unlock the full value of their EVs while supporting the grid. Opening this program through a partnership with Wallbox helps us bring this innovative technology to everyday consumers—in a way that is simple to enroll, valuable to use, and ready to scale.”
The Wallbox Quasar 2, a 12.48-kilowatt (kW) bidirectional charger, allows EV owners to power their homes or send excess energy back to the grid. When paired with its Power Recovery Unit, the Quasar 2 can also provide backup power during outages, effectively transforming the EV into a home generator. Bidirectional Energy focuses on increasing access to this technology through its software platform, which facilitates bill reductions, backup power, and income from grid services for EV owners.
Douglas Alfaro, Chief Business Development Officer at Wallbox, commented, “Bidirectional charging holds the potential to transform how people use and manage energy at home. By partnering with Bidirectional Energy, we’re empowering EV owners to turn their vehicles into energy assets, earning money while supporting a more resilient grid. This is a crucial step in bringing our technology to households across the U.
S.”
For the initial phase, homeowners in California and Connecticut must own or lease a Kia EV9 to participate. Interested individuals can verify their home’s qualifications on the Bidirectional Energy website. Upon eligibility verification, homeowners can purchase and schedule the installation of charging hardware from Wallbox, submitting receipts through the Bidirectional Energy app for state-funded rebate reimbursement. Bidirectional Energy and its electrical partner manage the subsequent steps, including utility interconnection and securing rebate payments.
Once installed, drivers can use the Bidirectional Energy app to automate charging and grid participation preferences, including setting mileage buffers for daily driving needs. The app provides drivers with full control over their vehicle’s charging, grid support, and driving usage. To qualify, participants must reside in a single-family or small multi-family home (four units or fewer), be customers of participating utilities, agree to share charging data, and enroll in grid-support programs such as time-of-use or demand response plans. The program also prioritizes equitable energy access, with a significant portion of target participants coming from priority populations in both states.
