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Sunrun has launched the nation’s first vehicle-to-home grid support program in Maryland, using Ford F-150 Lightning trucks. This innovative initiative aims to alleviate demand on the electrical grid and provide additional value to participants by leveraging bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) charging. Partnering with Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), the program will deliver power to homes during peak demand times this summer.
Key Highlights
- First operational bidirectional EV power plant in the U.S. using customer-owned vehicles.
- Collaboration between Sunrun and BGE.
- Utilizes all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning trucks.
- Designed to support Maryland’s power grid during peak times.
- Participants can receive an estimated $800 over four months.
Program Details
The program involves three Sunrun customers in BGE’s service territory, each owning an F-150 Lightning equipped with the Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System. This system is exclusively sold through Sunrun, making this the first operational bidirectional EV power plant in the United States using customer vehicles.
Sunrun CEO Mary Powell highlighted the significance of the program: “This program is a significant proof of concept—no other market player has done this—and the goal is to expand these programs all around the country. This exciting partnership lays the foundation for the power grid of the future where electric vehicle owners can contribute to grid resiliency and utility price stability for everyone.”
Benefits to the Grid
BGE, awarded grant funding from the Department of Energy, partnered with Sunrun to develop and administer this initiative. The program assists BGE’s system during peak energy consumption by discharging the onboard batteries of F-150 Lightnings directly to participants’ homes. This approach reduces grid demand and enhances energy system resilience and reliability for all BGE customers in Maryland.
The networking and monitoring of enrolled F-150 Lightning trucks will be managed by Sunrun. During dispatch windows, customers will receive payments based on the energy shared, enhancing the program’s appeal and practical benefits.
Mark Case, Vice President of Regulatory Policy and Strategy at BGE, emphasized the importance of the program in achieving net-zero emissions goals: “We know that the power stored in electric vehicles will be essential in our state’s effort to achieve its bold net-zero emissions goals.”
Expanding the Program
Sunrun’s existing partnership with Ford Motor Company designates them as the preferred installer for Ford Intelligent Backup Power. This collaboration includes the Ford Charge Station Pro and the Home Integration System, enabling customers to use bidirectional power technology from their all-electric trucks to power their homes during outages.
State Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo applauded the collaboration, stating: “The ability of Ford’s F-150 Lightning to support the electric grid and generate revenue for the owner while parked at home is a game-changing moment for electric vehicles in Maryland and nationwide.”
In addition to demonstrating vehicle-to-home capabilities, the program aims to learn about EV owner behaviors and preferences. Insights gained will guide Sunrun and BGE in exploring program expansion, offering incentives for existing F-150 Lightning owners, and developing direct vehicle-to-grid capabilities.
Chris Rauscher, Sunrun’s Head of Grid Services, stated: “Virtual power plants with bidirectional electric vehicles will play a key role in the clean energy transition. We look forward to scaling these innovative programs with BGE and other utilities around the country.”
About BGE and Sunrun
BGE is Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, serving over 1.3 million electric customers and 700,000 natural gas customers. Sunrun Inc. revolutionized the solar industry by offering residential solar and storage with no upfront costs, leading as the nation’s provider of clean energy as a subscription service. Discover more at www.sunrun.com.
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