Massachusetts Begins Two-Year V2X Pilot Program; Don’t Miss V2G Workshop at EVCS

Massachusetts is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future with the launch of a groundbreaking statewide vehicle-to-everything (V2X) pilot program. Backed by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), this two-year initiative is set to deploy 100 electric vehicle (EV) bidirectional chargers across homes, school buses, municipal, and commercial fleets throughout the state. The chargers will allow EVs to serve as mobile energy storage units, with the potential to provide 1.5 MW of new storage capacity to the grid. This isn’t just about EVs charging up; it’s about EVs giving back to the grid, playing a key role in balancing energy demand and supporting the use of renewable energy.

The program also takes a crucial step in promoting equity by ensuring that low-income and disadvantaged communities have access to this cutting-edge technology. In one of the largest state-led V2X initiatives in the U.S., Massachusetts aims to address key challenges in deploying bidirectional charging technology and create a scalable blueprint that could be replicated across the country. The strategic placement of chargers in various settings is designed to identify and resolve barriers to the wider adoption of V2X technology, while benefiting both individual participants and the broader community.

EV owners and fleet operators who enroll in the program will receive bidirectional chargers at no cost. These chargers are capable of both vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operations and providing backup power, ensuring participants have access to reliable charging infrastructure without any upfront cost. In addition to the financial savings, participants will benefit from enhanced grid resilience, as the new storage assets will strengthen Massachusetts’ energy infrastructure. The integration of V2G technology also aligns with the state’s clean energy goals, enabling EVs to charge when renewable energy is plentiful and discharge energy when renewable sources are unavailable.

The backup power capabilities of the EV batteries offer an extra layer of security, particularly during power outages. On top of this, some participants will be able to earn revenue by sending stored energy back to the grid, creating a new source of income for those who take part in the program.

Leading the program’s implementation are Resource Innovations, a clean energy solutions firm, and The Mobility House, a vehicle-grid integration technology company. Both companies are focused on eliminating financial barriers and making reliable backup power accessible to a wider range of participants.

“With the charging infrastructure provided through this program, we’re eliminating financial barriers and enabling school districts, homeowners, and fleets to access reliable backup power,” said Kelly Helfrich of Resource Innovations.

Russell Vare of The Mobility House North America echoed the sentiment, adding, “Bidirectional charging benefits vehicle owners by providing backup power and revenue opportunities while strengthening the grid for the entire community.”

The program is now open for enrollment and will continue through June 2025. For more information and to learn about eligible vehicles, visit the MassCEC V2X Program webpage. This ambitious initiative is not just a step forward for Massachusetts; it’s setting the stage for how the future of energy could look across the United States.

EV Charging Summit and Expo’s Workshop: V2G 101: Scaling Bidirectional Charging Infrastructure, Tuesday, March 25, 2025 2:00 pm–4:00 pm

Don’t miss this EV Charging Summit and Expo (EVCS) session, led by Zach Woogen, Interim Executive Director of the Vehicle-Grid Integration Council, that will explore the transformative potential of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology as electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to grow. V2G allows for bi-directional energy flow between EVs and the grid, enabling EVs to act as mobile power sources for energy storage, grid support, and demand response. The session will cover the fundamentals of V2G, providing participants with the knowledge to explore business opportunities and navigate associated challenges.

Participants will learn about the value proposition of V2G, including its benefits for utilities, automakers, and consumers, and how it creates new flexibility in energy management. The session will also delve into how stakeholders can generate revenue through V2G, whether by participating in energy markets or providing grid services. Real-world use cases will be discussed across residential, commercial, and industrial applications, alongside an exploration of the barriers to adoption, such as regulatory, technological, and market obstacles.

Additionally, the session will address the costs, technical standards, and capital expenses associated with V2G infrastructure and examine what it takes to make the technology appealing to end users. Whether you’re looking to invest in V2G infrastructure or gain insights into its market potential, this session will provide the foundational knowledge necessary to make informed decisions.

Woogen said: “I’m thrilled to join industry leaders at the EV Charging Summit and Expo to discuss the critical role of vehicle-grid integration in shaping an affordable, reliable, and resilient energy and transportation future. VGI is a game-changer, enabling us to maximize the potential of EVs while supporting our electric power sector stability and security goals. I look forward to exploring innovative solutions and strategies that drive this progress.”

Pre-Summit workshops are not included with a pass for the EV Charging Summit and Expo event taking place on March 25–27, 2025. Registration for the workshops must be done separately. See the many other valuable and insightful workshops.

The EV Charging Summit & Expo is a premier event focused on advancing global electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from March 25-27, 2025, the summit brings together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, offering a platform for industry leaders to collaborate and explore innovative solutions that support the growth of electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Attendees will include manufacturers, policymakers, utilities, fleet operators, and technology providers, all working toward the common goal of enhancing EV charging networks worldwide.

This crucially important, thought-leading event will showcase the latest advancements in EV charging technology, while also addressing important challenges such as grid integration, funding, and the evolving policies and regulations that are shaping the EV industry. The summit will feature keynotes, panel discussions, and numerous networking opportunities, all designed to foster meaningful connections and drive progress in building a sustainable, efficient, and accessible EV charging infrastructure. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this critical event. Get your tickets today!