Tesla has launched its first vehicle-to-grid program in the United States, targeting Cybertruck owners in select Texas markets. The Powershare Grid Support initiative allows owners to send energy from their truck's 123 kWh battery back to the grid during high-demand periods, earning credits on their energy bills. The program begins as an invitation-only early adopter phase.
Tesla Energy announced the Powershare Grid Support program on social media, marking the company's initial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) offering in the US. This bidirectional charging feature enables Cybertruck owners to discharge their vehicle's 123 kWh battery—equivalent to about nine Powerwalls—back to the grid during peak demand events.
Participation is restricted to Cybertruck owners in areas served by CenterPoint Energy and Oncor, utilities covering the Houston and Dallas metropolitan regions. Owners must install a Powershare Gateway and Universal Wall Connector to enable the capability. Enrollment occurs through the Tesla app under the Electric Drive plan, with an opt-in for Powershare Grid Support. During grid events, which may arise with little notice, the system automatically discharges energy, providing bill credits. Owners can set discharge limits to reserve battery for driving or home use, akin to the existing vehicle-to-home function.
The program is invitation-only for early adopters, with Tesla planning expansion after testing. Participation via Tesla Electric does not affect the Cybertruck warranty. Texas was selected due to its ERCOT-operated grid's volatility, highlighted by past weather-related strains. Tesla has grown its virtual power plant efforts there since 2022, including a 200-Powerwall pilot and approvals for two VPPs in August 2023. In 2024, it paid Powerwall owners $9.9 million through these programs. Each Cybertruck adds significant 123 kWh capacity, compared to a Powerwall's 13.5 kWh.
Expansion to California follows, targeting PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric areas. The Cybertruck is Tesla's only vehicle with official bidirectional support; a late 2025 confirmation for the Model Y Performance has not yet been widely implemented. Powershare integration with Powerwall is delayed to mid-2026, originally slated for late 2024. In March 2023, then-VP Drew Baglino indicated bidirectional charging could arrive in two years.
Competitors lead in this area: Ford's F-150 Lightning has offered vehicle-to-home since 2022 and joins a V2G pilot with Baltimore Gas and Electric. General Motors plans bidirectional for all new EVs by 2026, with Ultium vehicles featuring 19.2 kW hardware. Hyundai Motor Group runs V2G pilots with models like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kia EV6, and EV9.