The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is offering a demonstration program to residential, commercial, and school district participants in Massachusetts who own or plan to purchase electric vehicles capable of bi-directional charging. The program provides free bi-directional EV chargers that enable vehicles to function as mobile power storage systems, allowing energy to be sent to the utility grid or grid-connected assets such as buildings. This Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology supports grid resilience and can potentially lower energy costs for participants.
Selected participants receive a free bi-directional EV charger including all equipment and professional installation at no cost. The program covers three primary charger types: the Ford/Sunrun Home Integration System (compatible with Ford F-150 Lightning), the Wallbox Quasar 2 (compatible with Kia EV9), and the Dcbel Ara (compatible with Nissan Leaf, Polestar 3, and Volvo EX90). Commercial and school district participants can participate with Thomas Built, Blue Bird, IC Bus, or BYD electric school buses. Eligible residential vehicles include Ford F-150 Lightning (2022-2025), Nissan Leaf (2018, 2023-2025), Kia EV9 (2024-2026), Polestar Model 3 (2025), and Volvo EX90 (2025).
During the program period running through December 31, 2026, charging data from installed equipment will be collected and analyzed. Participants may be called upon to contribute information about their experience using bi-directional chargers. The program coordinates with utility demand response programs such as Connected Solutions, which offers compensation of $200/kW for commercial entities and $275/kW for residents for participating in grid demand response events. Participants can also benefit from Clean Peak Standards Program compensation through Clean Peak Energy Certificates (CPECs) valued at approximately $65 per MWh.
Applications for Massachusetts residents are currently open with a deadline of March 9th at 5:00 PM ET. Participants must reside at the installation site and remain in possession of their eligible vehicle throughout the program period. The program will also publish a comprehensive guidebook at the end of the pilot period to inform future V2X deployment strategies and policy recommendations.