Tracy K. Price, the founder and CEO of Qmerit, is at the forefront of the electrification movement in the United States. Drawing parallels to the historical “War of the Currents” between AC and DC electricity in the late 19th century, Price highlights the potential convergence of these two technologies to revolutionize the grid and meet the country’s rising energy demands while reducing pollution and carbon emissions.
The emergence of bidirectional technology in electric vehicles (EVs) is key to this transformation, allowing EV batteries to both receive and send energy to homes, buildings, and the grid. This innovation bridges the gap between DC energy from EVs and the AC power needed by other sources, providing a new source of power that utilities can tap into to enhance grid reliability and flexibility.
Major automakers such as Ford, Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, and Volkswagen are introducing EVs with bidirectional capabilities, enabling them to serve as backup power sources and integrate with renewable energy systems like solar panels. General Motors and Tesla have also announced plans to incorporate bidirectional technology in their EV models by 2026 and 2025, respectively, furthering the market adoption of this groundbreaking feature.
The widespread adoption of bidirectional EVs could pave the way for virtual power plants (VPPs) that integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) such as EVs, solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries into the grid. By leveraging VPPs, the U.S. could deploy 60 gigawatts of power by 2030, leading to cost savings and resource adequacy benefits that surpass alternative options.
Business leaders can proactively position themselves for this energy transition by converting their fleets to bidirectional vehicles, enabling greater integration of distributed energy resources into the grid. Fleet conversions offer various advantages, including enhanced carbon reduction efforts, participation in utility programs for energy trading, and the development of shared economic models that leverage bidirectional technology for mutual benefit.
As the electrification movement gains momentum, businesses have the opportunity to actively shape the future energy landscape through fleet conversions, collaboration with utilities, and exploration of innovative economic models. By embracing bidirectional technology and leveraging the potential of EVs as grid assets, companies can drive sustainability, resilience, and cost-efficiency in their operations while contributing to the broader transition towards a cleaner, more efficient energy system.
