Massachusetts V2X Pilot Features 100 Bidirectional EV Chargers
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As part of the state’s 24-month vehicle-to-everything (V2X) push, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is moving forward with a first-of-its-kind V2X pilot that involves the deployment of 100 bidirectional EV chargers within the state. The pilot, which targets residential, commercial, municipal and school customers at no cost, could add 1.5 MW of flexible grid capacity by 3Q 2026.
Details of the Massachusetts V2X Initiative
Definitionally, V2X refers to wireless communications to and from electric vehicles (EVs) designed to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, stem pollution, and save energy.
According to those familiar with the effort, this deployment aims to improve the resilience of the state’s power grid, accelerate the addition of clean energy sources into the state’s generation mix, and reduce energy costs for customers. It also aims to prepare for the state’s goal of having 900k EVs on the road in just 5 short years (there are currently only 90k in operation, so there’s a long way to go).
A key element of the initiative is the deployment of 100 bidirectional EV chargers within the footprints of Eversource, National Grid, Until, and multiple municipal systems. This will encompass 50-60 charges in residential homes, 30-40 at commercial locations, and 10-20 at 3 school bus storage locales. While there is no direct customer cost, participants are required to purchase bidirectional-capable EVs.
The EV charger technology will enable participants to utilize their EVs as a backup power source at their locations. The EV charger deployment is expected to conclude in Sept. 2026, and the pilot period will run for 3 months, ending in Dec. 2026, after which findings and lessons learned will be published.
The Massachusetts initiative is just the latest in a series of recent bidirectional EV charger deployments – Maryland, Colorado, and several other states have been pursuing similar initiatives. It’s all part of the mix of solutions being tested to prepare the power grid for an uncertain future. Here’s hoping this and the other V2X pilots prove highly successful in this regard!
