Massachusetts Launches V2G Pilot: EV Owners May Earn Payments by Supplying Power Back to the Grid

Massachusetts is advancing a pioneering Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) pilot program — its two major utilities, Eversource and National Grid, will integrate residential EV bidirectional charging capabilities into their existing virtual power plant initiative, ConnectedSolutions. Qualified EV owners may soon supply stored battery energy back to the grid during peak demand periods and receive performance-based financial incentives.

The project is supported by EnergyHub, Sunrun, and The Mobility House, providing smart charging and grid-coordination technologies. According to updated official information, the first confirmed list of compatible vehicles includes Ford F-150 Lightning, Nissan LEAF, Kia EV9, Polestar 3, and Volvo EX90. However, the utilities have not yet specified which bidirectional chargers are approved, when enrollment will open, or the final per-unit incentive amounts for participants.

For users enrolled in National Grid's ConnectedSolutions program, the current seasonal summer incentive stands at up to $275 per average kilowatt. Based on typical residential bidirectional charger capacity and actual response performance, annual household earnings are projected at $1,375–$2,750. Incentive levels will be dynamically determined based on technology provider, battery capacity, and real-world dispatch performance.

ConnectedSolutions has previously aggregated smart thermostats, home energy storage systems, and commercial/industrial loads to ease grid stress during peak usage. Integrating EV batteries aims to validate their viability as distributed, flexible grid resources. Data shows over 150,000 EVs are already on Massachusetts roads, with the roster of bidirectionally capable models steadily expanding.

When the grid faces sudden high load, enrolled vehicles activated via dispatch commands can discharge part of their stored energy back to the grid. This helps mitigate overload risks, reduces reliance on expensive peaker plants, and — over time — may lower overall electricity costs for all ratepayers.

"We're thrilled to bring our dispatch expertise to Massachusetts and expand V2G benefits to more customers," said Chip Silverman, Director of Grid Services at Sunrun. "EV batteries are playing a critical role in grid stability, home backup power, and reducing society-wide energy costs."

National Grid has already begun applying V2G technology within ConnectedSolutions to light- and medium-duty EV fleets, with electric school buses included in its initial pilot. Eversource is also engaging with multiple school districts to extend this capability through its upgraded ConnectedSolutions+ program.

While the technical pathway is largely mature, large-scale deployment hinges on two key factors: whether incentive levels are sufficiently attractive, and whether user enrollment and equipment compatibility processes are streamlined enough — only then can EV owners be effectively motivated to voluntarily share battery capacity when the grid needs it most.