After launching its first US residential pilot in California last week with six Quasar 2 bidirectional chargers, Wallbox wasted no time scaling up. The EV charger company is now rolling out a new program to bring bidirectional power to 180 homes across California and Connecticut with Bidirectional Energy.
EVs that power homes and the grid
The pilot programs start with Kia EV9 owners who can use Wallbox’s Quasar 2 bidirectional charger and Bidirectional Energy’s virtual power plant (VPP) platform to save money, support the grid, and make EVs part of the clean energy transition. The program will continue to expand to more vehicles and homes at a later date.
Participants will get big incentives: up to $8,800 in California and $10,800 in Connecticut to cover charger and installation costs. Homeowners can save up to $1,500 a year on energy bills and earn another $1,350 through grid participation.
Turning EVs into home batteries
The Quasar 2 is a 12.48-kilowatt bidirectional charger that can charge your EV, power a home, or send energy back to the grid. Paired with Wallbox’s Power Recovery Unit, it can also act as a backup generator, keeping the power on for several days during outages.
As energy prices rise and blackouts become more frequent, bidirectional charging gives homeowners more control and independence. Bidirectional Energy’s app allows users to set charging preferences, manage grid participation, and monitor earnings.
How it works
To qualify for the first phase, participants must:
- Own or lease a Kia EV9.
- Live in a single-family or small multi-family home (four units or fewer).
- Be customers of participating utilities.
- Agree to share charging data and enroll in time-of-use or demand response programs.
Priority will go to underserved communities in both states.
Homeowners can check eligibility and apply through Bidirectional Energy’s website. Once approved, they can buy and install the Quasar 2, then submit receipts through the Bidirectional Energy app for state-funded rebates. The company will handle utility connections, rebate payments, and program setup. From there, Kia EV9 drivers can set their preferences and let the system manage the rest.
“Bidirectional charging holds the potential to transform how people use and manage energy at home,” said Douglas Alfaro, chief business development officer at Wallbox. “By partnering with Bidirectional Energy, we’re empowering EV owners to turn their vehicles into energy assets, earning money while supporting a more resilient grid.”
California residents can learn more here, and Connecticut residents can sign up here.
Read more: Wallbox chargers enable Kia EV9s to power homes for the first time
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