General Motors (GM) has called on utility companies, regulators and policymakers to work together to accelerate the adoption of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, positioning electric vehicles as a key resource for strengthening power grids and improving energy resilience.
In an open letter published on June 9, 2026, Wade Sheffer, Vice President of GM Energy, highlighted the growing pressures facing electricity networks, including extreme weather events, rising energy demand and the rapid expansion of AI-powered data centers. He argued that electric vehicles equipped with bidirectional charging capabilities could play a crucial role in supporting grid stability.
According to GM, more than 250,000 bidirectional-capable electric vehicles are already on American roads. The company estimates that these vehicles collectively possess enough energy storage capacity to help power approximately 120,000 homes for up to one week under certain conditions.
Vehicle-to-grid technology allows EVs to not only draw electricity from the grid but also return stored energy when demand is high. GM believes this capability can transform EVs into distributed energy resources, helping utilities manage peak demand while reducing the need for costly grid infrastructure investments.
The automaker has committed to making bidirectional charging technology available across all future planned EV models, expanding the pool of compatible vehicles in the coming years.
GM is already conducting pilot projects to test real-world applications of the technology. Through a collaboration with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the company expects more than 52,000 GM electric vehicles to participate in grid-balancing programs by 2030. Another pilot with DTE Energy in Michigan is evaluating how EVs can provide reliable backup power in residential settings.
To accelerate deployment, GM outlined three key areas requiring collaboration. The first involves improving customer awareness and simplifying enrollment in utility programs that support managed charging and grid services. The second focuses on creating attractive incentives through modernized electricity tariffs and time-of-use pricing structures that reward EV owners for supporting the grid. The third calls for streamlining utility interconnection processes and reducing paperwork to make bidirectional charger installation easier for consumers.
GM argues that widespread adoption of V2G technology could create a mutually beneficial ecosystem for utilities, automakers and EV owners. Consumers could lower operating costs and earn compensation for supplying energy back to the grid, while utilities gain access to a vast network of flexible energy storage assets.
The company described the initiative as an “operational invitation” for collaboration, emphasizing that the technology is already available and ready for broader deployment.
With global EV adoption continuing to accelerate, GM believes vehicle-to-grid integration could become a critical component of future energy systems, helping create a more reliable, affordable and resilient electricity network while unlocking new value from electric vehicles.
