GM’s Ultium EVs to Offer Home Power Capabilities
GM to Bring Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) Feature to the Entire Ultium EV Lineup
As more electric vehicle (EV) owners prefer home charging, General Motors (GM) is taking a significant step towards enabling EVs to power homes as well. By the 2026 model year, GM plans to introduce Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) bidirectional charging capabilities across its Ultium-platform EV range. This innovative feature will allow EV owners to utilize their vehicles as a power source for their homes, which proves especially beneficial during prolonged power outages.
Enhanced Utility Beyond Blackouts
Aside from blackout support, this feature transforms EVs into substantial home batteries. By charging the vehicle during cost-effective off-peak periods and subsequently using it to supply energy to the home when needed, there is a potential avenue to leverage this technology for reducing electricity expenses.
Expanding V2H Capabilities to Various Models
GM is paving the way for this advancement with the imminent release of models that include the V2H feature. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, Cadillac Lyriq, and upcoming Escalade IQ will be among the first to boast V2H compatibility. Additionally, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV are set to receive bidirectional charging, democratizing a feature predominantly associated with larger vehicles.
Equipping Homes for V2H Technology
For homeowners to leverage this cutting-edge feature, GM offers the Ultium Home package, featuring the 19.2-kW PowerShift AC charger tailored for V2H operation. Coupled with the V2H “Enablement Kit,” which includes an inverter, home hub, and dark start battery, this setup facilitates the transfer of up to 9.6 kW of power from the vehicle to the home, ensuring a safe grid disconnection during outages. GM will also provide the PowerBank home battery in 10.6 kWh and 17.7 kWh configurations for customers seeking additional energy storage solutions.
Industry-wide Interest in V2H Technology
Vehicle-to-home charging is a sought-after feature across the automotive industry, with several automakers like Ford, Volkswagen, and Rivian exploring its possibilities. With the expansive storage capacity of EVs, leveraging them as home batteries to mitigate energy costs and preempt blackouts could become a mainstream practice.
Conclusion
In embracing V2H technology, GM is not only enhancing the utility of its EV lineup but also underscoring the potential for EVs to serve as versatile solutions for both transportation and home energy needs. As the automotive landscape evolves, the integration of V2H capabilities signifies a key step towards sustainable and resilient energy practices.
FAQs
What is V2H technology?
V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) technology enables electric vehicles to serve as power sources for homes, allowing for bidirectional charging capabilities where energy stored in the vehicle’s battery can be used to power household appliances or as backup during blackouts.
Will V2H technology be available in all GM Ultium EVs?
Yes, GM has announced plans to implement V2H capabilities across its entire Ultium EV range by the 2026 model year, empowering owners to use their vehicles as home power supplies.
How can homes be equipped for V2H technology?
GM offers the Ultium Home package, which includes a 19.2-kW PowerShift AC charger designed for V2H operation, along with an “Enablement Kit” comprising essential components like an inverter, home hub, and dark start battery to facilitate seamless power transfer between the EV and the home.
Which GM vehicle models will feature V2H technology?
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, Cadillac Lyriq, Escalade IQ, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV are among the GM models set to receive bidirectional charging capabilities, enabling V2H functionality.