2024: A Year of Milestones and a Vision for the Future
By Zach Woogen
As 2024 draws to a close, the vehicle-grid integration (VGI) industry has entered a new era of innovation, powered by significant market development advancements that set the stage for a groundbreaking 2025. This year, we've seen unprecedented growth and collaboration that will lay the foundation for a more affordable, reliable, and resilient electric grid that leverages flexible charging and discharging technologies. Here’s a look at the key wins we’re celebrating:
Oakland’s World-Record-Breaking V2G Site
In a world-first, Oakland has become home to the largest vehicle-to-grid site, featuring 74 buses, each equipped with its own bidirectional charger. These buses are not only participating in demand response events during CAISO emergencies and other high-value periods but will also optimize charging and discharging under innovative dynamic rates reflecting near-real-time grid conditions. This is a monumental leap for bus fleet electrification and grid integration led by VGIC Utility Collaboration Forum (UCF) participant Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E).Sunrun and BGE Lead the Way with Grid-Parallel Home Charging
In another milestone, Sunrun and BGE have pioneered the first grid-parallel home bidirectional charging using Ford F-150 Lightning vehicles from VGIC Leadership Circle member Ford Motor Company. Homeowners participating in this program are earning up to $200/kW-month for their participation, proving that grid-parallel vehicle-to-everything (V2X) isn’t just for fleets—it’s also a game-changer at the residential level.Wave of New UL-Certified Bidirectional Charging Products
2024 has seen a significant influx of UL-certified bidirectional charging products. From VGIC Leadership Circle members BorgWarner, Fermata, and Ford in 2023, to VGIC members GM, dcbel, and Tesla on the light-duty vehicle side, and Heliox, InCharge, and Tellus Power Green for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, the availability of certified equipment is quickly propelling the V2X market forward.New York’s $25M Load Management Technology Incentive Program
New York is leading the charge with its $25 million Load Management Technology Incentive Program, which supports EV load management software, hardware, and integrated energy storage. This initiative is accelerating the grid optimization tools that will enable widespread flexible EV connection and management while providing critical cost relief to commercial charging sites across the state.California Expands Managed Charging Program Offerings
California continues to expand its managed charging footprint, with programs like Ford Energy Rewards and PG&E’s EV Charge Manager launched in partnership with VGIC member WeaveGrid, offering customers new opportunities to engage with emergency demand response and distribution-optimized load management, respectively.California's $130M Zero Emission School Bus Infrastructure Program Requires Bidirectional Vehicles and Incrementally Incentivizes Bidirectional Chargers
The state’s $130 million Zero Emission School Bus Infrastructure Program mandates bidirectional charging for all buses funded through the program and incentivizes bidirectional chargers with an additional $20,000 per port compared to unidirectional chargers—setting the stage for a new era in electrified school transportation.California Opens Battery VPP Program to Bidirectional Charging
California’s Demand Side Grid Support Option 3: Battery Virtual Power Plant (VPP) now deems bidirectional charging equipment eligible, offering up to $100/kW in summer incentives for vehicle battery discharging, further solidifying V2X’s role in support emergency reliability.Maryland Takes the Lead on V2G Interconnection Rules
Maryland’s Public Service Commission unanimously adopted proposed comprehensive V2G interconnection rules, including two available V2G AC interconnection pathways. With these updates, Maryland will become the first state to establish a standard, full-scale interconnection pathway for V2G AC systems, laying the groundwork for broader adoption and engagement in the state’s upcoming V2G-focused compensation mechanisms.SCE and PG&E Launch Flexible Service Connection Pilots
VGIC Utility Collaboration Forum participants Southern California Edison (SCE) and PG&E launched flexible service connection pilots (SCE’s Load Control Management Systems and PG&E’s FlexConnect), offering greater transparency and new options for customers that seek faster energization under a flexible connection arrangement. The utilities also published reports showing innovative “bridge-to-wires solutions” including these pilots as well as load limit letters. These mark significant process modernizations that enable widespread EV service connection while deferring or avoiding costly and time-consuming infrastructure upgrades. Utilities in Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York are developing similar approaches to support flexible EV service connection options.Stakeholder Alignment and Thought Leadership
From VGIC’s sold-out EVolve convening to the launch of our Utility Collaboration Forum, the collaborative foundation needed to scale VGI has never been stronger. Key publications, including the U.S. Department of Energy's The Future of Vehicle Grid Integration, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s Vehicle-Grid Integration: The Convergence of the Automotive and Electric Power Industries, the Smart Electric Power Alliance’s The State of Managed Charging in 2024, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Flexible DER & EV Connections reflect a growing consensus on the transformative potential of V2G and VGI.
What’s Next for 2025?
As we look ahead to 2025, the managed charging, bidirectional charging, and DER-paired charging sectors are poised for even greater expansion. Here’s what to expect:
More V2H Backup Power Options
Expect more vehicle-to-home (Vehicle-to-Home) solutions that give customers backup power options, enhancing overall community resiliency.Growth of V2G in Virtual Power Plants
V2G Virtual Power Plant (VPP) offerings will become more widely available in states like Massachusetts, Colorado, and Maryland, complementing existing programs in California, New York, and Rhode Island.Evolution of Grid Planning Tools
The integration of transportation electrification and grid planning will evolve, creating smarter, more efficient systems for managing both transportation and energy needs.Coordinated Progress on Flexible Service Connections & Proactive Planning
Flexible service connections and proactive planning will continue to develop hand-in-hand, reducing ratepayer costs while helping utilities manage the influx of EVs.2025: “The Year of VGI”
The stage is set for VGI to shine in 2025. With increased funding, new compensation mechanisms, newly certified products, and improved customer engagement strategies, the market is primed for rapid growth.
Building a Brighter Future Together
VGIC is working with its Leadership Circle, General Members, Associate Members, Utility Collaboration Forum Participants, and partners to unlock the full potential of managed charging, bidirectional charging, and DER-paired charging through innovative utility programs, interconnection standards, flexible service connections, and customer engagement strategies. The future is bright, and the foundation we’ve laid to date will power a cleaner, more resilient grid for generations to come.
To stay ahead of the curve and help shape the future of this market, join VGIC today—or, for investor-owned utilities, participate in our Utility Collaboration Forum by emailing info@vgicouncil.org. You can also join our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn to learn about the latest in VGI news, events, and market developments. The next wave of VGI innovation is coming—let’s build it together.