Unlocking the Power of V2X
Electric vehicles (EVs) are doing more than getting people from point A to point B. They’re becoming a powerful tool to support a cleaner, more adaptable energy landscape. Thanks to Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, EVs can now share their stored energy with the electric grid, buildings, and even homes. This capability transforms EVs into mobile energy resources that provide backup power, reduce costs, and stabilize the grid when it’s needed most.
What is V2X and How Does It Work?
V2X is a broad term that covers different ways EVs interact with their surroundings. V2X includes Vehicle-to-Grid, Vehicle-to-Building, and Vehicle-to-Home technologies. Learn more:
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): EVs send energy back to the grid during peak demand, helping balance supply and demand.
- Vehicle-to-Building (V2B): EVs power buildings during outages or high-demand periods, reducing costs and ensuring continuity.
- Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): EVs provide backup power to homes, keeping the lights on during emergencies.
With bidirectional charging, EV batteries transition between storing and discharging energy. This process not only benefits the grid but also gives EV owners and communities more control over their energy use.
How States are Leading the Way with V2X
Several states are embracing V2X to improve grid stability and advance clean energy goals.
- Massachusetts: The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is leading a V2X Demonstration Program to explore how bidirectional EVs can support the grid and provide backup power. This pilot includes installing bidirectional chargers for residential, commercial, and school district participants. The project aims to install 50-60 residential chargers, 30-40 commercial chargers, and 10-20 chargers for electric school buses, offering valuable insights into real-world applications of V2X.
- California: PG&E and General Motors are piloting bidirectional charging to allow EV owners to power their homes during outages and supply energy back to the grid when demand is high. This initiative promotes energy security, particularly in communities vulnerable to power disruptions.
- Maryland: Maryland’s V2G pilots are demonstrating how electric school buses can be more than transportation. By feeding energy back to the grid during peak demand, these buses reduce costs for school districts while enhancing grid reliability.
These initiatives show how V2X is driving innovation across the country, creating new value for communities while strengthening energy infrastructure.
How Highland Electric Fleets is Powering V2X
Highland Electric Fleets is leading the way in integrating V2X technology with electric school bus fleets. Our groundbreaking V2G project with National Grid in Beverly, Massachusetts, demonstrated that electric buses can supply energy back to the grid during summer peaks, k helping stabilize demand and strengthen grid operations.
Beyond grid support, V2X-enabled buses can serve as mobile power sources during emergencies, providing backup electricity to critical infrastructure such as hospitals and shelters. By charging during low-demand periods and discharging when demand is high, these buses improve grid flexibility while maintaining dependable transportation for students.
Highland is also piloting innovative solutions like the Xos Hub mobile charging station, which provides backup power and fast charging to EV fleets in remote or emergency situations. Through these initiatives, we’re empowering communities to unlock the full potential of V2X technology and build more resilient, efficient energy systems.
The Road Ahead for V2X
V2X technology is no longer a future concept, it’s happening now, and its impact is growing. As more communities adopt electric school buses and other EVs, integrating these vehicles into the energy system will create opportunities for cost savings and greater flexibility. With V2X technology gaining momentum, Highland Electric Fleets is excited to help communities turn their electric fleets into powerful energy assets.
To learn more, please visit https://highlandfleets.com/vehicle-to-everything-v2x-technology
