All Ultium-Based GM EVs Will Be Able To Power Your Home By 2026
Electric vehicles (EVs) are known for their big batteries, but did you know that these batteries can also power your home? General Motors (GM) is taking advantage of this capability and expanding bidirectional charging to every Ultium-based retail vehicle it sells by the 2026 model year. This means that not only will you be able to drive an electric vehicle, but you can also use it as a backup power source for your home.
GM’s decision to offer bidirectional charging in its vehicles is a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient future. By integrating this technology into its entire Ultium-based portfolio, GM is making it accessible to more consumers and at a broader scale than ever before. Wade Sheffer, Vice President of GM Energy, stated, “GM Energy’s growing ecosystem of energy management solutions will help accelerate GM’s vision of an all-electric future by further expanding access to even more benefits that EVs can offer.”
While bidirectional charging technology is not new, it is gaining traction in the automotive industry. Competitors like Ford’s F-150 Lightning already offer this feature, allowing owners to power their homes during blackouts. However, bidirectional charging has even greater potential beyond emergency situations. It can help homeowners save money by using their EVs to power their homes when electricity prices are high. Additionally, EV owners can store excess solar and wind energy in their vehicle’s battery during the day and use it at night when energy generation is low.
To help owners manage their energy needs, GM will provide Ultium Home offerings and the “GM Energy Cloud.” These solutions will enable owners to control the flow of energy between their vehicles and homes. With the help of software programs, such as the GM Energy Cloud, owners can efficiently manage their energy usage and maximize the benefits of bidirectional charging.
GM has already announced that several vehicles will be equipped with bidirectional charging technology before the 2026 model year. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST will be the first vehicle to offer this feature, followed by the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, the 2024 Equinox, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq, and the Escalade IQ. These vehicles will not only provide a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation but also serve as a reliable power source for homes.
While GM has shared its plans to expand bidirectional charging, specific details about the timing of individual model releases will be disclosed at a later date. However, this announcement demonstrates GM’s commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology and providing innovative solutions for consumers.
In conclusion, GM is taking a significant step towards an all-electric future by expanding bidirectional charging to all Ultium-based retail vehicles. This technology allows EV owners to power their homes, save money on electricity costs, and store renewable energy. With the introduction of Ultium Home offerings and the GM Energy Cloud, owners will have greater control over their energy usage. As GM continues to prioritize sustainability and innovation, consumers can look forward to a future where their electric vehicles not only provide transportation but also contribute to a more efficient and resilient energy ecosystem.