Massachusetts utilities launch V2G pilot paying EV owners
Eversource, National Grid, EnergyHub, Sunrun and Mobility House have started a vehicle‑to‑grid (V2G) pilot in Massachusetts. The program integrates electric‑vehicle batteries into the existing ConnectedSolutions demand‑response platform, allowing utilities to draw power from participating cars during peak‑load events and then recharge them later. EV owners who enroll receive compensation; a typical payment cited by National Grid is about $1,250 per year, with estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars annually.
The pilot is limited to roughly 45 vehicles, with applications open until September 30. Only a few models support the required bidirectional charging, including the Nissan Leaf, Kia EV9, Volvo EX90, Polestar Model 3 and Ford F‑150 Lightning. By tapping idle EV batteries, utilities aim to cut reliance on expensive natural‑gas peaker plants, improve grid stability and potentially lower electricity costs for consumers. The initiative is presented as an early test that could inform wider deployment of V2G technology across the United States.
Entities: AmpUp · Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority · Eversource Energy · Ford Motor Company · Massachusetts · Mobility House · National Grid · Sunrun
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The program aims to reduce reliance on natural‑gas peaker plants during electricity spikes. (All articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Eligible EV models include Nissan Leaf, Kia EV9, Volvo EX90, Polestar Model 3 and Ford F‑150 Lightning. (Boston Globe report)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The pilot allows EV owners to discharge electricity to the grid during peak demand and receive compensation. (All articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Utilities expect V2G scaling to improve grid reliability and lower electricity costs. (All articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The pilot uses the ConnectedSolutions demand‑response platform. (All articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Eversource, National Grid, EnergyHub, Sunrun and Mobility House launched a V2G pilot in Massachusetts. (All articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Participants can earn about $1,250 per year, with potential earnings of hundreds to thousands of dollars. (Boston Globe report cited)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Enrollment is limited to about 45 vehicles with an application deadline of September 30. (Boston Globe report)