EVwire brief: Tesla and PG&E have enabled the Tesla Cybertruck to participate in a residential Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) program in California.
The setup allows Cybertruck owners to power their homes and export electricity back to the grid, with incentives of up to $4,500. The program is the first AC-based vehicle-to-grid (V2G) approval for customers in the state.
Tesla announced the program in a post on its official Tesla Energy account on X:
Context:
At the center of the program is Tesla’s Powershare system, which allows the Cybertruck’s battery to act as a flexible energy source. In practical terms, Powershare lets owners use their Cybertrucks to run appliances, charge devices, power equipment, or even supply electricity to an entire home.
With Powershare Home Backup, the system can automatically detect a power outage and switch the home to vehicle power. When paired with Tesla hardware like the Universal Wall Connector and Powershare Gateway, the Cybertruck can deliver up to 11.5 kW of power and sustain a typical home for over three days, depending on energy usage.
The Cybertruck can deliver up to 11.5 kW of power and sustain a home for over three days.
The Cybertruck itself is equipped with built-in outlets, including multiple 120 V outlets and a 240 V outlet capable of up to 9.6 kW, depending on variant. Outside the home, this makes the vehicle a portable energy source for job sites, outdoor use, or emergency scenarios.
Participation in PG&E’s program builds on this foundation. During grid events, Cybertruck owners can export energy back to the grid and receive compensation.
Jason Glickman, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Growth, PG&E, shared the following comment about the new program:
"Electric vehicles can do more than move people—they can help power homes and support the grid. By welcoming Tesla into our residential V2X program, we're expanding customer choice while making California's grid more flexible, resilient, and affordable.”
During periods of high electricity demand, participants in the V2X program may export power in response to grid signals.
AC-based vehicle-to-grid simplifies deployment
Tesla and PG&E’s approach stands out because it uses alternating current (AC) instead of the more complex direct current (DC) systems typically required for vehicle-to-grid applications.
PG&E outlined several advantages of an AC-based approach in a press release. According to the energy provider, an AC-based approach:
Works with standard residential electrical systems
Reduces installation and hardware complexity
Lowers overall system cost
This makes it easier for homeowners to participate without specialized infrastructure, potentially accelerating the adoption of bidirectional charging.
Colby Hastings, Senior Director of Tesla's Residential Energy business, mentioned this potential in a comment:
“Powershare Grid Support enables Tesla vehicles to strengthen our electricity system, while earning money for EV owners. Our unique integrated architecture makes vehicle-to-grid dramatically cheaper than alternatives, and PG&E's V2X program will accelerate customer adoption.”
Source: PG&E, Tesla Powershare
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