Tesla has launched its first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) initiative, the PowerGrid Support Program, for Cybertruck owners in Texas. The program uses bidirectional charging, enabling the electric trucks to supply excess power to the electrical grid.
Currently available to Cybertruck owners served by CenterPoint Energy and Oncor utilities in Texas, the program requires a PowerGateway and a Universal Wall Connector. Participants can opt in, set discharge limits, and receive compensation through credits on their energy bills.
This initiative incentivizes EV adoption by demonstrating a financial return. It also leverages the Cybertruck's large 123 kWh battery to bolster Texas's grid resilience, which faces strain from extreme weather and growing energy demands.
The program represents a step toward more distributed energy resources, like virtual power plants, which can help prevent blackouts and stabilize the aging U.S. power infrastructure.