Ford F-150 Lightning Powers Homes in First-Ever V2G Trial
▼ Summary
– Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which uses an EV’s battery to send energy back to the electrical grid, is a concept that has existed for over a decade.
– Early V2G pilots in the late 2000s and early 2010s involved automakers like Ford and General Motors testing the technology with hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
– Modern development has shifted to battery electric vehicles with larger lithium-ion packs, though initial programs have primarily involved commercial fleets.
– Recent EV models, like the Ford F-150 Lightning, are now being designed from the start with bidirectional charging capabilities for V2G.
– A current residential pilot program allows some F-150 Lightning owners to send energy to the grid during peak hours, earning them money through a partnership between Sunrun, Ford, and a utility company.
For the first time, Ford F-150 Lightning owners are actively powering their local electricity grid through a groundbreaking residential vehicle-to-grid (V2G) pilot program. This initiative marks a significant step forward, moving the long-theorized concept of bidirectional charging from commercial fleets into the hands of everyday consumers. By allowing their electric trucks to supply stored energy back to the system during peak evening hours, these participants are not only supporting grid stability but also earning financial incentives.
The underlying technology enabling this exchange is not entirely new. Automakers and utility companies have explored V2G capabilities for well over a decade. Early experiments, such as those conducted by Ford and American Electric Power in Ohio, initially focused on hybrid vehicles. Later, General Motors tested similar functionality with the Chevrolet Volt. However, these programs were typically limited to commercial vehicle fleets. The landscape has shifted dramatically with the arrival of modern electric vehicles engineered from the outset for bidirectional power flow.
This particular trial is a collaboration between Sunrun, a leader in home energy solutions, and the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company. A select group of three F-150 Lightning owners are utilizing the specialized Ford Home Integration System installed by Sunrun to participate. Their trucks automatically discharge energy to the grid on weekday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., which are typically periods of highest electricity demand. In return for their contribution to grid reliability, the participants can receive payments of up to $1,000. The pilot program, which launched in July, is scheduled to conclude at the end of this month, providing valuable data on the real-world viability of residential V2G technology.
(Source: Ars Technica)
