You might be considering an electric vehicle (EV), but wondering about its broader impact. While EVs are great for clean transport, their benefits go far beyond that. Imagine your EV not just drawing power, but also feeding energy back into the grid during peak demand. This isn’t a distant idea anymore. It’s the future being built now. At the heart of this shift are bidirectional power supplies, the essential hardware that makes V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) systems possible.

As utilities, fleet operators, charger manufacturers, and policymakers work to decarbonize the grid and stabilize electricity demand, bidirectional power supplies are becoming foundational. They enable EVs to act not just as mobile energy consumers but as dynamic energy assets.

In this article we will explore what V2G is and why bidirectional power supplies are crucial to its success. We will then examine the current regulatory and infrastructure status in the US, analyzing what helps or hinders V2G deployment. We will also cover the technical features needed for V2G-capable systems, as well as the real-world use cases and pilot programs already underway. Finally, we’ll discuss the key challenges to scaling up V2G and the significant economic and business opportunities available for B2B players. Our aim is to help US organizations understand how to invest in the right hardware, align with regulations, and confidently participate in or even lead the V2G movement.

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What is V2G & Why Bidirectional Power Supplies are Essential

At its core, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is about enabling a two-way flow of electricity. It transforms your electric vehicle from a simple power consumer into a dynamic participant in the energy grid. This means power can flow:

• From the grid to your EV: This is standard charging, where your car draws electricity.
• From your EV back to the grid: This happens when the grid needs extra power—perhaps during peak demand, in emergencies, or during specific “demand response” events when the utility asks for energy support.

This crucial two-way power exchange requires specialized bidirectional power supplies and smart control systems that can safely handle both sourcing and sinking electricity, often integrated directly into chargers or Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). They are uniquely designed to handle both charging and discharging. If you’re looking for an in-depth understanding of how these powerful units are transforming lab operations, read our previous article on EV Battery Testing with Bidirectional Power Supplies.

Without these bidirectional power supplies, V2G would either remain a theoretical concept or be limited to simpler applications like vehicle-to-home (V2H) systems (where the EV powers a house) or vehicle-to-load (V2L) (where the EV powers specific devices), without interacting with the broader grid.

Successfully deploying V2G also relies on several key technologies and protocols:

• EVSE with Bidirectional Inverter Capabilities: The charging equipment itself must have the internal electronics (inverters) capable of converting DC battery power to AC grid power and vice-versa.
• Communication Standards and Protocols: EVs, chargers, and the grid need to “talk” to each other seamlessly. Standards like ISO 15118 and SAE J3072 ensure secure and efficient communication for managing power flow.
• Utility Grid Interconnection: EVs must connect to the utility grid under specific, regulated rules to ensure safety, stability, and proper billing for the energy exchanged.

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V2G in Action: Regulations, Pilots & Use Cases in the US

Understanding the regulatory environment is absolutely critical for any B2B organization venturing into V2G projects. The rules and existing infrastructure determine how V2G systems can connect to the grid, operate, and be compensated.

Maryland’s Groundbreaking Interconnection Rules

Maryland is leading the charge in the US. As of July 7, 2025, it will become the very first US state to adopt comprehensive V2G interconnection rules that explicitly cover both AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) V2G systems. This is a significant step forward, providing a clear path for deployment. (Source: EV Infrastructure News)

Under Maryland’s COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations) 20.50, DC V2G systems are integrated under the existing regulations for stationary energy storage systems, streamlining their approval process. For AC V2G systems, two primary pathways for interconnection are defined:

• Certified Charger + Vehicle: An AC V2G system can interconnect if it uses a charger certified to UL 1741 SC and is paired with an EV specifically designed to SAE J3072 standards.
• Composite DER System: Alternatively, both the charger and the vehicle can be certified together to UL 1741 SB as a composite Distributed Energy Resource (DER) system. (Source: VGIC)

These rules also clearly differentiate between V2G systems used solely for backup power (e.g., providing electricity during grid outages) versus those operating in grid-parallel mode (actively sending energy to the grid). Each mode has distinct interconnection and permit requirements, which helps prevent confusion and ensures appropriate safety and operational standards.

Expanding Pilot Programs & State Activity

Beyond Maryland, other states are actively exploring V2G through various pilot programs and initiatives:

• Massachusetts V2X Pilot: Massachusetts is deploying 100 bidirectional EV chargers in a “Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)” pilot program. This ambitious project spans residential, commercial, municipal, and school customers, with the goal of adding approximately 1.5 megawatts (MW) of flexible grid capacity by September 2026. This broad scope aims to understand V2G’s potential across diverse settings. (Source: Utility Dive)
• Illinois Electric School Bus Pilot: Several school districts in Illinois are participating in a ComEd pilot that focuses on V2G with electric school buses. This program is testing how bidirectional chargers can effectively help reduce stress on the grid, particularly during periods of high electricity demand. School buses, with their predictable schedules and significant battery capacity, are ideal candidates for such V2G applications. (Source: businesswire)
• Energy Dept / University of Delaware / PJM Example: A prominent example involves the U.S. Department of Energy, the University of Delaware, and PJM (a regional transmission organization). The University of Delaware utilizes its fleet vehicles, registered within the PJM market, to participate in grid services. When these vehicles are plugged in and available, their batteries can provide support to the grid, earning revenue for the university and highlighting V2G’s economic viability for fleet operators. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)
• Maine School Bus Pilot Assessment: Maine is also actively evaluating V2G through its School Bus Pilot Assessment. This study focuses on using electric school bus fleets to understand the broader implications for the state. Key assessment areas include implementation costs, grid interconnection complexities, infrastructure readiness, and whether leveraging EVs as mobile energy storage can help reduce or postopone costly traditional grid investments. (Source: efficiency Maine)

Persistent Utility & Policy Gaps

Despite these promising advancements, significant utility and policy gaps remain across many US regions. A primary challenge is the lack of clear V2G interconnection rules or tariffs that adequately compensate EV owners and organizations for the energy they export to the grid. Without proper financial incentives, unfortunately widespread V2G adoption will be hindered. (Source: V2G Forum)

Furthermore, standardization continues to be a barrier, especially for AC V2G systems. Some pilot program permissions currently depend on specific pairings of chargers and vehicles, which limits flexibility and slows down broader market development. Addressing these gaps through clear, consistent regulations and standardized technology will be important for V2G to achieve its full potential. (Source: Fermata Energy)

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Features Needed for Bidirectional Power Supplies in V2G

To fully realize the potential of V2G, the hardware, firmware, and overall system integration must meet specific technical criteria. When evaluating bidirectional power supplies for V2G deployment, these are the key features and specifications that demand close attention.

Feature	Description & Why It Matters
Bidirectional Charging Capability	This is the fundamental requirement: the system must reliably and safely support both charging (power flow from grid to EV) and discharging (power flow from EV back to grid). Proper control over both directions is essential for V2G operations.
Efficient Inverter / Power Electronics	High efficiency in converting power in both directions (AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC) is essential. Significant energy losses during conversion directly impact the economic viability (ROI) of V2G systems and hinder environmental goals.
Certification & Safety Standards	Compliance with relevant industry standards is mandatory for safety and grid acceptance. For AC V2G, certifications like UL 1741 SC (Standard for Converters, Inverters, and Controllers for Use in Independent Power Systems) and SAE J3072 (for vehicle communication) are key. DC systems have their own specific interconnection rules, as seen with Maryland’s regulations.
Communication Protocols & EV/EVSE Compatibility	Seamless “handshake” between the EV, the charging equipment (EVSE), and the grid is vital. Standards such as ISO 15118 and SAE J3072 facilitate secure authentication, precise control signals, communication of battery State-of-Charge (SoC) limits, and overall system safety during power exchange.
Grid Compliance & Interconnection Capacity	The local utility must technically permit and officially approve power flowing back into the grid. This often involves specific regulatory interconnection agreements and ensuring the system meets utility-defined requirements for stability and power quality.
Battery Management & Degradation Protection	V2G operations should not excessively accelerate battery degradation. The system must include smart battery management features to limit cycles, control depth of discharge, and manage the frequency of discharge events to protect the EV battery’s lifespan and warranty.
Smart Software / Firmware & Data Tracking	Advanced software and firmware are needed to manage complex V2G participation. This includes facilitating demand response events, responding to dynamic electricity pricing, optimizing peak load shaving, and providing detailed data for monitoring and analysis.
Scalability & Use-Case Flexibility	V2G deployments can vary widely, from individual residential EVs to large commercial fleets (like school buses or delivery vehicles) or even supporting critical backup loads. The chosen equipment must be flexible enough to scale with different demands and adapt to diverse use cases.

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Challenges & Barriers to Scaling V2G

While the vision for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is compelling, transitioning from successful pilot programs to widespread, mainstream deployment faces several significant obstacles. B2B players must understand these challenges to navigate the V2G landscape effectively.

Technical & Hardware Hurdles

The V2G ecosystem is still maturing, presenting various technical and hardware challenges. A primary issue is the limited availability of chargers and electric vehicles that are truly bidirectional and fully compliant with emerging standards. The distinction between AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) V2G adds another layer of complexity: AC V2G typically relies on an inverter built into the vehicle itself, while DC V2G systems require external converters. (Source: Fermata Energy) The current lag in standardization for both approaches slows down adoption, and the hardware costs for these advanced bidirectional systems remain relatively high. Furthermore, efficiency losses across power electronics, inverter inefficiencies, and general thermal and conversion losses can significantly impact the economic viability of V2G services, potentially eroding expected revenues or savings.

Regulatory, Interconnection & Policy Barriers

The regulatory landscape poses substantial interconnection and policy barriers. Many U.S. states have yet to develop clear interconnection rules specifically for V2G systems. Even in regions where some rules exist, utilities might have lengthy approval processes or simply lack established procedures for handling bidirectional power export from customer-owned assets. A critical hurdle is the inconsistency or absence of tariffs and fair compensation schemes. Without clear, attractive compensation for energy exported back to the grid, participation remains weak for many EV owners and fleet operators. Additionally, necessary safety and certification standards are still under active development in various areas. While standards like UL 1741 SC, UL 1741 SB, and SAE J3072 provide some pathways, their consistent adoption and integration across all products and jurisdictions are still uneven.

Economic & Business Model Concerns

Beyond technical and regulatory issues, significant economic and business model concerns need to be addressed. A major consideration is battery degradation costs. Frequent cycling, deep discharges, or a high number of discharge events associated with V2G participation can potentially accelerate the wear and tear on an EV’s battery, thus shortening its lifespan. This degradation cost must be carefully balanced against any revenue earned or bill savings achieved through V2G. The upfront cost of hardware remains a barrier, encompassing not only the bidirectional chargers and EVSE but also grid interface equipment, necessary software, site preparation, permits, and interconnection fees. Finally, customer and owner behavior is a critical, often underestimated, factor. The willingness of EV owners or fleet managers to make their vehicles available to the grid when needed, while also ensuring the vehicle has sufficient State-of-Charge (SoC) for its primary transportation needs, is essential for V2G’s success.

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Economic & Business Opportunities for B2B Stakeholders

Despite the existing hurdles, the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) landscape presents a significant upside for businesses that strategically position themselves and move early. These opportunities span various sectors, offering new revenue streams, operational efficiencies, and pathways for differentiation.

Utilities & Grid Operators

For utilities and grid operators, V2G offers a powerful toolkit for modernizing and strengthening the electricity network. By leveraging EV batteries, they can delay costly infrastructure investments in new generation or transmission capacity. V2G systems enable them to reduce peak demand by drawing power from EVs during high-use periods, thus stabilizing the grid. This also significantly improves grid resilience, providing a distributed network of energy storage that can support the system during outages or unexpected fluctuations.

EVSE / Charger Manufacturers

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) and charger manufacturers stand to gain a competitive edge. By focusing on V2G-capable units, they can achieve crucial product differentiation in an increasingly crowded market. This emphasis on bidirectional functionality opens doors to entirely new product lines and service offerings, catering to the growing demand for smart, grid-interactive charging solutions.

Fleet Operators (School Buses, Public Transit, Delivery Fleets)

Fleet operators—ranging from school buses and public transit to commercial delivery fleets—have a particularly strong business case for V2G. They gain the unique ability to monetize idle battery time. When their vehicles are parked, their batteries can provide valuable grid services, generating demand response revenue. Furthermore, V2G functionality offers integrated backup power capabilities, enhancing the resilience of their own operations during outages.

Aggregators & Software Providers

The growth of V2G creates a key role for aggregators and software providers. These companies build and run smart platforms that can manage entire fleets of V2G-enabled vehicles. Their tools coordinate charging and discharging, allowing fleets to offer their energy to programs like demand response or other grid support services. These platforms are foundational, creating the smart system that makes new V2G business models possible and brings the most value to all users.

Policy & Incentive Providers

Finally, policy and incentive providers at the state or municipal level play a crucial role in accelerating V2G adoption. By implementing rebates or direct incentives for the purchase and installation of bidirectional chargers, or by offering favorable interconnection tariffs that properly compensate for exported energy, they can significantly lower barriers to entry and stimulate market growth. These policies create a supportive environment for businesses and consumers to embrace V2G.

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Best Practices for Deploying V2G Systems with Bidirectional Power Supplies

For B2B players looking to successfully implement V2G deployments, following a structured set of best practices is a must. These steps will help navigate complexities, reduce risks, and maximize the value derived from bidirectional power supply investments:

1. Start with Strategic Pilot Projects

Before committing to large-scale deployment, it’s highly recommended to begin with smaller, controlled pilot projects. Ideal environments include school bus depots, municipal fleets, or even a limited number of residential installations. These pilots serve as invaluable learning opportunities, allowing you to thoroughly test hardware, software, and various tariff structures in a real-world setting. Crucially, they enable the collection of essential data on system performance, battery health and State-of-Charge (SoC) behavior, and the intricacies of grid interconnection. This data is vital for refining your approach before broader rollout.

2. Specify and Procure the Right Hardware

Selecting the correct equipment is foundational. Always specify and procure bidirectional power supplies and chargers that strictly conform to industry standards. This includes certifications like UL 1741 SC, UL 1741 SB, and communication protocols such as SAE J3072. When evaluating hardware, prioritize key attributes like high efficiency in both charging and discharging, robust safety features, reliable communication capabilities, and overall flexibility to adapt to different use cases and vehicle types. Investing in quality hardware from the start prevents significant issues later.

3. Plan Early for Grid Interconnection & Compliance

Early engagement with utility regulators and grid operators is vital. Begin this process as soon as a V2G project is conceived. In locations with clearer rules, like Maryland, understanding these regulations well in advance is key to avoiding costly delays and ensuring a smooth approval process. Beyond utility requirements, ensure your chosen site meets all local building codes, safety regulations, and energy standards. Proactive planning for interconnection ensures technical viability and regulatory acceptance.

4. Design Robust Software & Control Protocols

The intelligence of a V2G system lies in its software. Design sophisticated energy management software (EMS) and control protocols that facilitate seamless integration with demand response programs and enable precise tracking and data logging. These controls must prioritize the protection of the EV battery, safeguarding its State-of-Charge (SoC) limits and overall health, while simultaneously meeting user requirements for vehicle readiness. Smart software is what truly unlocks the dynamic capabilities of V2G.

5. Conduct Thorough Economic & Financial Modeling

A detailed Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model is essential for validating your V2G business case. This model must encompass all capital costs (hardware, installation), operational costs (including energy consumption/export, maintenance, interconnection fees), and realistically projected revenues. Revenue streams can include earnings from exported energy, participation in grid services, and reductions in demand charges. Importantly, this modeling must also include battery degradation estimates to ensure the financial viability of V2G services does not come at an unacceptable cost to battery lifespan.

6. Foster Strong Stakeholder Partnerships & Communication

V2G is a collaborative endeavor. Foster strong partnerships and maintain clear communication among all key stakeholders: utilities, regulators, EV manufacturers (OEMs), and fleet owners or individual EV owners. Open dialogue is crucial for aligning expectations, addressing concerns, and coordinating efforts. Furthermore, transparent communication with EV owners and fleet operators about the benefits, impact, incentives, and scheduling requirements of V2G participation is vital for building trust and ensuring their continued engagement.

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Conclusion: V2G – From Concept to Reality in the US

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) deployment in the United States is rapidly moving from a promising concept to a tangible, actionable part of our infrastructure. At its very core are bidirectional power supplies—the crucial technical enablers that allow energy to flow not just one way, but both. This two-way flow unlocks incredible grid flexibility, smoother integration of renewable energy, and significant economic opportunities for many.

For B2B organizations—including utilities, EVSE manufacturers, and fleet owners—the window of opportunity is wide open. Regulatory frameworks, as seen in places like Maryland, now clearly permit V2G interconnection. Pilot programs across Massachusetts, Illinois, Maine, and other states are successfully proving various operational models. Crucially, the business cases for V2G are strengthening, showing real potential for cost savings, enhanced resilience, and new revenue from grid services.

Going forward, success will depend on robust, certified, and efficient hardware, clear and consistent regulation and tariff policies, sophisticated software control systems, and strong partnerships focused on shared goals. For those who choose to engage early, V2G offers not only compelling environmental benefits but also substantial economic upside and a leading role in shaping the future of energy.

Ready to Participate in the V2G Transformation?

The V2G revolution is here, and your organization can be a part of it. If you’re ready to explore the opportunities, consider these actionable steps:

• Assess Your EV Infrastructure: Start by evaluating your current chargers and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Do they support bidirectional power flow, or will upgrades be needed?
• Connect with Utilities and Regulators: Stay proactively informed about the evolving interconnection rules and incentive programs in your specific state or region.
• Launch a Pilot Project: Begin with a small, manageable proof-of-concept. Whether it’s within a fleet, school bus operation, or housing complex, a pilot can provide invaluable real-world data and experience.
• Model Your Costs vs. Benefits: Develop a comprehensive financial model that accounts for hardware, installation, expected energy revenue or savings, and the potential impact on battery health.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are quick answers to some of the most common questions about Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) deployment:

Question	Answer
Q1. What is “bidirectional power supply” and how does it differ from standard EV chargers?	A bidirectional power supply (or charger/EVSE) can both deliver power to the EV (charging) AND draw power back from the EV battery to the grid or load (discharging). Standard chargers only support one direction (grid → EV). For V2G, this two-way capability is essential.
Q2. Are there real regulations in the U.S. supporting V2G systems now?	Yes. Maryland is leading as the first state with comprehensive V2G interconnection rules effective July 2025, covering both DC and AC systems. Many pilot programs across the US also operate under evolving local and state regulations.
Q3. Will V2G degrade my EV battery faster?	Battery degradation is a factor, but it heavily depends on how often, how deeply, and how frequently the battery is cycled for V2G. Smart software, shallow discharge limits, and proper battery management can significantly reduce wear. Most B2B V2G pilots include degradation costs in their financial models.
Q4. What kind of cost savings or revenue can organizations expect from V2G?	Savings can come from reduced demand charges, peak shaving, and avoided infrastructure upgrades. Revenue might include payments from utilities for grid services. Pilot programs have shown some buildings or fleets saving/earning hundreds of dollars per vehicle per year, though this varies by local tariffs and hardware costs.
Q5. What technical standards matter for bidirectional charging in V2G?	Key standards include UL 1741 SC and SB for inverter/charger safety; SAE J3072 for secure vehicle-charger communication in some AC systems; and local utility interconnection rules (like Maryland’s COMAR rules). These ensure safety, grid compatibility, and smoother deployment.