GM Energy, a division of General Motors, has launched a new product suite to integrate Ultium electric vehicles with home energy power backup systems.
Do you often lose power? I certainly do. In the past year, I’ve experienced over a dozen outages due to winter storms, wind events, and vehicle accidents that damage utility poles. It feels like I can’t go more than a few weeks without an interruption. It’s really frustrating. Normally, I’d haul out a gasoline generator to meet my basic needs, like keeping my refrigerator running and heating my house, but with a Silverado EV on the way, I’m imagining a world where I can use my EV to power my home instead.
Wouldn’t that be incredible? No more dragging out the generator—just utilizing the electricity I’ve already paid for and being stored in my Silverado EV. Well, dream no more. Thanks to V2H, or vehicle-to-home, also known as bidirectional charging, this will soon be possible. Turns out GM is preparing to offer this technology to their customers by the end of this year. Here are the details.
Introduction To The GM Energy Home Product Suite
GM Energy’s latest offerings are tailored to allow homeowners to utilize their EVs as a direct power source for their homes, particularly useful during power outages or peak energy periods. The suite is anchored by vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging technology, initially available with the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST. This technology allows energy transfer from a compatible GM EV to a properly equipped home. By 2026, all GM Ultium EVs will have this technology.
Package Options and Pricing
GM Energy has structured its offerings into three distinct packages, each designed to cater to different customer needs and preferences:
- GM Home Energy System
- Price: $12,699- Eligible for 30% Federal Tax Credit
- Components:
- GM Energy PowerBank: Available in three storage capacities, it stores energy from the grid or solar panels, providing power during emergencies or when energy prices peak.
- V2H Enablement Kit: Includes a Home Hub and Inverter which manage and convert stored energy, facilitating its use within the home.
- PowerShift Charger: Offers efficient Level 2 EV charging and enables energy transfer between the vehicle and the home.
- GM Energy V2H Bundle
- Price: $7,299
- Components:
- PowerShift Charger: Charges the EV and allows it to serve as a backup power source.
- V2H Enablement Kit: Comprising a Home Hub, Inverter, and Dark Start Battery, this kit activates the bidirectional energy flow necessary for utilizing the EV’s battery to power the home.
- GM Energy V2H Enablement Kit
- Price: $5,600
- Components:
- Home Hub: Controls the home’s personal grid and energy distribution.
- Inverter: Converts DC to AC power, integrating the vehicle’s stored energy with home usage.
- Dark Start Battery: Provides initial power to the system in case of a blackout, ensuring functionality when needed most.
Battery Backup Options, Sizes, Capacities
GM Energy offers PowerBanks in three capacity options:
- 10.6 kWh Battery Capacity
- Dimensions: 36 x 21.1 x 13.8 inches
- Mounting Options: Wall or Floor
- Location: Suitable for both Inside and Outside installation
- Noise Level: Less than 50 dB
- Nominal Power Rating: 5 kW
- Warranty: 10 years
- 17.7 kWh Battery Capacity
- Dimensions: 49 x 21.1 x 13.8 inches
- Mounting Options: Wall or Floor
- Location: Suitable for both Inside and Outside installation
- Noise Level: Less than 50 dB
- Nominal Power Rating: 7 kW
- Warranty: 10 years
- 35.4 kWh Battery Capacity (Dual 17.7 kWh Units)
- Dimensions: 49 x 21.1 x 13.8 inches* (each unit)
- Mounting Options: Wall or Floor
- Location: Suitable for both Inside and Outside installation
- Noise Level: Less than 50 dB
- Nominal Power Rating: 14 kW* (combined)
- Warranty: 10 years
Seamless Integration and User Control
GM Energy products are designed to integrate smoothly with current GM mobile brand apps, allowing users to manage their home and vehicle energy systems conveniently from their smartphones. This integration ensures that users can easily monitor and control the flow of electricity, scheduling charge times to capitalize on off-peak energy rates and reduce costs.
Launch and Availability
The product suite will initially be available in select states, including California, Florida, Michigan, New York, and Texas, with plans to expand coverage over time. Hopefully for me, New Hampshire will come soon. Customers can purchase these systems online through GM Energy’s e-commerce platform, which also connects them with Qmerit for installation support.