This week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 59, a new law that could eventually require bidirectional charging in electric vehicles (EVs), but without a fixed timeline for implementation.
The bill authorizes the California Energy Commission (CEC) to determine when to mandate the feature, which would allow EVs to not only charge from the grid but also return energy to the grid or power homes.
Bidirectional charging, also known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or vehicle-to-home, can play a crucial role in improving grid reliability during peak energy demand.
By utilizing EVs as distributed energy storage, California aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuel power plants during periods of high demand, such as heat waves. The technology is already available in some models, like the Nissan Leaf and Ford F-150 Lightning, but has yet to become widespread.
Initially, the bill proposed a 2027 deadline for the mandate, but the final version left the timeline open. California's energy agencies will assess the best use cases and determine when it makes sense to require the technology in specific vehicle classes.
The state estimates that integrating bidirectional charging could save $1 billion annually, contributing to a cleaner, more resilient power grid.
Although the law doesn't impose an immediate requirement, it marks a significant step toward the future adoption of bidirectional charging, laying the groundwork for a smarter, more flexible energy system in California.
Source: Electrek
