Please note: While PSE doesn’t currently offer V2X programs, you may complete the form at the bottom of this page to be notified when more information is available.
V2X: vehicle-to-everything
Demand for electricity is expected to increase significantly in the future, with electric vehicle charging forecasted to be 20% to 30% of total demand on the electric grid in 20 years.
Fortunately, EVs can also be part of the solution through V2X, or vehicle-to-everything. V2X is an opportunity for PSE and our customers to work together to meet rising demand for electricity.
What is V2X?
V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), is a technology that allows for the bi-directional flow of electricity stored in the batteries of compatible EVs to power buildings, homes, and even the electrical grid.
V2X is an umbrella term that describes the technology such as vehicle -to-grid (V2G), vehicle-to-buildings (V2B), vehicle-to-home (V2H), or other vehicles.
V2H = vehicle-to-home
- What is V2H: V2H technology transforms your EV into a powerful energy resource for your home.
- How it works: Using bidirectional charging capabilities, V2H allows your EV battery to supply electricity back to your house when needed. Your EV can charge during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper on a Time-of-Use rate, then power your home during peak periods or outages.
V2B = vehicle-to-building
- What is V2B: V2B technology transforms your EV into a power energy resource for your building.
- How it works: Using bidirectional charging capabilities, V2B allows your EV to supply electricity back to your building when needed. Your EV can charge during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper on a Time-of-Use rate or mitigate demand charges, then power critical loads in your building during peak periods or outages.
V2G = vehicle-to-grid
- What is V2G: V2G technology transforms your vehicle into a distributed energy resource on wheels to help stabilize the grid.
- How it works: Using bidirectional charging capabilities, V2G allows your EV to supply electricity back to the grid when needed. Your EV can serve as a critical grid resource to balance peak demand and provide additional capacity.
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How V2X works
V2X allows battery-only electric vehicles to act as distributed energy resources, helping to reduce demand on the electric grid.
- Bidirectional charging: electricity flows both to and from the vehicle in order to contribute excess energy back to the electric grid during high-demand periods or to homes and buildings in times of need.
- Grid support functionality: the vehicle acts as a mobile battery storage system, supporting the electric grid during peak demand and enhancing reliability.
- Smart charging infrastructure: integration with smart charging systems allow for optimized vehicle charging schedules based on time-of-use rates, energy demand and more.
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The benefits of V2X
In support of PSE’s Transportation Electrification Plan, we’re exploring the best ways to utilize V2X for the benefit of the electric grid and our customers. Those benefits include:
- Lower fuel expenses for commercial and residential customers
- Potential compensation for customers participating in vehicle-to-grid programs
- A more resilient and robust energy grid
- Backup power for homes and buildings
- Support for greener and more sustainable transportation
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V2X and Interconnection
- What is Interconnection? Interconnection is the process of connecting any potential energy source to a home that operates in parallel with the PSE grid, transforming any device into an integrated part of a home's energy ecosystem and the broader clean energy grid.
- Why is Interconnection Critical for V2X? Proper interconnection is essential for V2X technology to function safely and effectively. It ensures that:
- EVs can supply power during outages or peak periods
- Excess energy from vehicles can flow back to the grid when beneficial
- Maintain access to reliable grid power when EV battery is low
- All energy transfers happen safely without risking damage to equipment or the electrical system
- How Interconnection Works with V2X:
- Draw power from the PSE grid to charge EVs during off-peak hours
- Supply power from an EV battery to a home during outages or expensive peak periods
- Send excess energy back to the PSE grid when an EV is fully charged and home energy needs are met
- Automatically switch between these modes based on energy needs, time-of-use rates, and grid conditions
- Key Benefits:
- Reliability: Never lose access to grid power
- Flexibility: Optimize when and how energy is used based on cost and availability
- Safety: Proper interconnection protects home, vehicle, and the broader electrical system
- Grid Support: Contribute to a cleaner, more resilient energy future
V2X FAQs
How does V2X help the power grid?
V2X can help provide backup power during outages, balance grid demand, support renewable energy integration, and reduce strain during peak usage periods.
Is V2X safe for my vehicle’s battery?
V2X systems are designed with battery preservation in mind and include protections to prevent excessive discharge or damage to your vehicle's battery. Be sure to check your vehicle’s warranty to understand any limitations pertaining to V2X.
When would my vehicle provide power to the grid?
Your vehicle would typically supply power to the grid during peak demand periods when the electrical system is under heavy strain. Your vehicle may also supply power during grid emergencies, offering valuable support when the electrical system needs additional resources.
Will I always have enough charge for my driving needs?
V2X programs always allow participants to set minimum charge levels and indicate when they need their vehicles fully charged.
What steps do I need to complete to take part in PSE's V2X program?
- Have a PSE Recommended Energy Professional assess and tour your site to understand where your bidirectional electric vehicle equipment will be installed.
- Confirm vehicle eligibility
- Not all EVs can support V2H. Confirm that your vehicle or the EV you plan to purchase is V2H-compatible. Bidirectional capability is an essential feature that enables the car's battery to discharge power back to the home.
- Obtain compatible equipment
- Ensure you have a compatible charger that works with your vehicle from the approved products list.
- Prepare your home's electrical system
- Upgrade your electrical panel as needed to support the new bidirectional equipment
- Install the transfer switch to enable "islanding" - disconnecting your home from the grid during an outage
- Install the energy meter to monitor your energy use
- Install the bidirectional charger in a location near your home's electrical panel and your EV's parking spot
- System approval
- Have your system checked and approved by PSE.
- Configure and test
- After installation, your V2H system will be configured and tested to ensure proper operation.
- Explore incentives and updates
- Check for local incentives or rebates for installing V2H equipment, as these can significantly offset the cost. Keep your vehicle and charging equipment software updated to ensure proper functionality, as some features may be enabled via over-the-air updates.
What is the difference between V2X and V2H?
V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) is a broad category of bidirectional energy transfer, while V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) is a specific type of V2X that focuses on an electric vehicle (EV) supplying power to a home.
How do I take part in V2H?
- V2H is currently not open to the public. We are in demonstration mode while we evaluate technical feasibility, operational requirements, interconnection protocols, grid services value, and market and customer readiness.
- Please complete this information request form to receive updates and more information once the program is available to the public.
What vehicles are eligible for V2H?
The demonstration is currently only available for Ford F-150 Lightning or Kia EV9 electric vehicle. PSE’s goal is to use the demonstration to help expand the list vehicles eligible to take part.
Stay informed on V2X programs
Complete this information request form to receive updates and more information on PSE V2X programs.
Have questions about V2X?
Reach out to us at v2x@pse.com. Or, fill out the information request form at the bottom of this page.