Summary
- Sunrun and Ford have been conducting a vehicle-to-home energy storage experiment using the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck
- Ford is promoting the benefits of owning an EV, including the ability to power a home during outages
- Maryland is collaborating with Sunrun and BGE on a project involving F-150 Lightning owners in a virtual power plant model
- Three F-150 Lightning owners in Maryland are participating in a program where they can share energy from their EV batteries with their homes
- Maryland’s EV-friendly environment and BGE’s past involvement in vehicle-based energy storage projects make it an ideal location for this initiative
Article
Ford and Sunrun have teamed up to conduct an energy storage experiment using the battery of the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck. This innovative project aims to explore the concept of vehicle-to-home energy storage and incentivize EV drivers to participate by offering a reward of $800 per customer. By utilizing EVs as mobile batteries and promoting renewable energy usage, the partnership between Ford and Sunrun is setting a good example for promoting the multi-use capabilities of electric vehicles.
In Maryland, a collaboration between Sunrun, Ford, and the utility company BGE is paving the way for a new iteration of the virtual power plant model. This project involves F-150 Lightning and Sunrun customers using their EV batteries to power their homes during peak summertime hours, reducing their reliance on the grid and contributing to grid resiliency. The three participants in this pilot program are being credited with launching a vehicle-based home energy storage revolution, showcasing the potential for EV owners to benefit their community and support grid efficiency.
The Maryland energy storage project is focused on rewarding participants for sharing their energy storage capabilities with the grid, providing them with a compensation of $800 each for the energy they contribute. This program demonstrates the benefits of using EVs as stationary batteries and highlights the potential for vehicle-to-home energy sharing to create a more resilient and reliable energy system for all customers. By working together to leverage the power of EVs, Sunrun and BGE are laying the foundation for future grid resiliency and utility price stability.
Maryland was chosen as the launch location for this innovative project due to its EV-friendly environment, substantial incentives for EVs and charging infrastructure, and the willingness of BGE to partner on energy efficiency and electrification efforts. With Maryland’s commitment to expanding its public EV charging network and BGE’s track record of supporting energy initiatives, the state provides an ideal setting for driving forward the integration of vehicle-based energy storage solutions. The partnership between Ford, Sunrun, and BGE holds promise for revolutionizing the way EVs are utilized for grid resiliency and energy sharing.
Ford and Sunrun’s collaboration in Maryland is part of a larger trend in the energy storage industry towards utilizing EVs as rolling energy storage units. By tapping into the potential of vehicle-based energy storage, companies like WeaveGrid are able to implement innovative programs that leverage telematics technology to support EV charging initiatives. These programs offer EV owners cost savings and further demonstrate the value of using EV batteries for energy storage, highlighting the versatility and efficiency of electric vehicles in contributing to a more sustainable energy system.
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