Summary
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law requiring all new electric vehicles in the state to have bidirectional charging by 2027
- Bidirectional charging allows electric car batteries to send energy back to help power the grid and provide backup power during outages
- Electric vehicle batteries can provide enough energy to power an average household for two to three days
- California aims to have 60,000 megawatts of stored energy in car batteries by 2030, reducing the need for backup generators
- The new law in California could lead to a nationwide change in auto standards towards electric vehicles and bidirectional charging
Article
Electric vehicles have the potential to provide energy storage on wheels, but until now this resource has been untapped. However, a new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom aims to change that. SB 59, proposed by State Sen. Nancy Skinner, requires all new electric vehicles sold in California to be equipped with bidirectional charging by 2027. This technology allows electric vehicles not only to pull energy from the grid but also send it back, serving as backup power for homes and businesses during outages.
With electric car batteries capable of holding approximately 60 kilowatt hours of energy, they have the potential to provide backup power to households for two to three days or longer with conservation of energy. As the state faces a growing threat of rolling blackouts due to an overtaxed power grid, the utilization of electric vehicles with bidirectional charging can help address this challenge. By tapping into the battery storage of electric vehicles, California aims to clean up the air, ensure a stable power supply, and reduce energy bills.
Currently, most electric vehicles have one-direction charging where power is taken from the grid to charge the vehicle’s battery. Only a few models like the Nissan Leaf, Kia EV-6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford F-150 Lightning offer built-in bidirectionality to homes or the grid. Tesla has also announced plans to make its vehicles bidirectional by 2025. Santa Cruz Mountains resident Tammy Snyder, who relied on her EV for backup power during winter storms, sees bidirectional charging as a game changer that can provide comfort and essential power during outages.
California is already a leader in electric vehicle adoption, with 25% of new cars sold in the state being zero-emission vehicles. The state has announced a $1.9 billion plan to deploy 40,000 new public EV chargers, creating an extensive charging network. By 2030, California is projected to have 60,000 megawatts of stored energy in EV batteries, with the potential to return a significant portion to the grid and reduce reliance on backup generators. This effort aligns with the national push for EV expansion, with the Biden administration proposing strict new emissions limits to increase electric vehicle sales.
The implementation of bidirectional charging in electric vehicles can not only improve grid stability but also help communities keep the lights on during outages, especially in areas prone to wildfires. The new law in California could set a precedent for nationwide auto standards, leading to increased adoption of electric vehicles across the country. As the state pushes for a transition to cleaner transportation options, bidirectional charging technology plays a crucial role in addressing climate change and reducing emissions. California’s proactive stance in the automobile marketplace reflects the urgency to act on climate change and transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
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