New UL V2G-AC Certification Program Will Likely Lower Costs and Lead to Rapid Expansion

UL Solutions launched a new certification program for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies based on the recently issued UL 1741 Supplement SC standard, creating a formal testing and certification pathway for bidirectional electric vehicle supply equipment (BEVSE). PV Magazine released the news on September 14, 2026.

The certification program covers AC-based vehicle-to-grid connections, known as V2G-AC. Under this approach, electric vehicles equipped with certified bidirectional onboard inverters can connect to the electric grid through AC wallboxes. The wallbox oversees the connection between the vehicle, home wiring and grid rather than relying on an external inverter.

Testing and certification are now available at UL Solutions facilities in Fremont, California, and Northbrook, Illinois. The program evaluates BEVSE designed to establish an AC connection between a home’s electrical system and an electric vehicle while supervising the vehicle-to-grid connection.

The approach differs from existing DC bidirectional charging systems offered by companies including dcbel, Sigenergy and Wallbox. Those systems use a DC connection between the vehicle and an external inverter, bypassing the vehicle’s onboard inverter. Equipment certified under UL 1741 SC instead works with vehicles containing bidirectional-certified onboard inverters.

Because V2G-AC systems do not require a separate external inverter, the technology could produce bidirectional EV charging equipment at a lower cost than current DC-based systems, potentially accelerating adoption.

“Electric vehicles spend much of their time parked, creating an opportunity for them to perform more than transportation alone,” said Wesley Kwok, vice president and general manager of the Energy and Industrial Automation group at UL Solutions. He said V2G can turn unused battery capacity into a resource for utilities and communities while certification helps establish confidence in safe, reliable operation and utility performance.

Developing the technical and regulatory framework for V2G-AC took more than a decade of work involving the automotive, electrical safety and utility sectors. SAE J3072 established interconnection requirements for vehicle-integrated onboard inverters. Finalization of the standard in 2024 enabled UL Standards & Engagement to complete UL 1741 SC.

Previously, V2G-AC systems could be certified for specific vehicle models and chargers through the UL 1741 “Multipiece DER Systems” standard combined with UL 9741, the Standard for Electric Vehicle Power Export Equipment. UL Solutions continues to offer that certification pathway alongside the new UL 1741 SC program.

Europe already provides examples of commercial AC bidirectional charging. Renault and BMW have deployed AC bidirectional systems paired with specialized AC wallboxes, while municipal EV fleets in Utrecht, Netherlands, send excess solar energy back to local distribution networks.

The new U.S. certification pathway gives utilities, automakers and charging hardware manufacturers a standardized route for testing V2G-AC systems and expanding the role of EV batteries as distributed energy resources.