EnergyHub & GM Energy Expand EV and Home Storage Grid Access
EnergyHub, a leading provider of grid-edge flexibility solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with GM Energy, a division of General Motors, aimed at integrating GM’s electric vehicles (EVs) and home energy storage solutions into EnergyHub’s extensive network of utility and market programs across the United States. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the growing convergence of automotive and energy industries, offering tangible benefits to EV owners, utilities, and the broader power grid.
Expanding Utility Grid Access for GM EVs and Home Energy Storage
Through this partnership, owners of Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac electric vehicles, along with users of GM Energy’s PowerBank stationary storage system, will gain the ability to participate in EnergyHub-managed utility programs. These initiatives provide financial incentives to customers while simultaneously enhancing grid stability and reducing energy costs for communities. By integrating GM’s energy solutions with EnergyHub’s platform, the partnership creates a more resilient and responsive energy ecosystem.
Starting later this year, GM EV owners will be eligible to enroll in select EnergyHub programs through their local utilities. The initiative enables smart or managed charging functionality, allowing EV charging schedules to be optimized in a way that supports both bulk and distribution grid stability while still prioritizing customer mobility needs. The objective is to dynamically balance electricity demand, preventing stress on the grid while maintaining seamless user experiences.
The Role of GM Energy’s PowerBank in Grid Optimization
GM Energy’s PowerBank home battery system, introduced in 2024, is designed not only for backup power but also as a grid asset. During peak demand periods, PowerBank users will have the option to support the grid by discharging stored energy, effectively helping utilities manage power loads. This provides a twofold benefit: homeowners can receive financial rewards for their contributions, and utilities can mitigate peak demand challenges without resorting to expensive infrastructure upgrades or relying on fossil-fuel-based peaker plants.
With the rapid adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, managing energy storage effectively has become more critical than ever. The integration of PowerBank with EnergyHub’s platform represents a key advancement in ensuring distributed energy resources (DERs) play an active role in balancing the modern power grid.
EnergyHub’s DERMS Platform and the Future of Grid Management
EnergyHub’s EV managed charging programs are powered by its Edge Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) platform, a sophisticated software solution designed to enhance grid resilience through demand response and dynamic load management. By leveraging DERMS, utilities can efficiently coordinate the operation of EVs and home energy storage systems to optimize energy distribution.
Key functions of the DERMS platform include:
- Demand Response Management: During peak demand events, utilities can temporarily reduce charging rates or leverage home storage to stabilize the grid.
- Dynamic Load Shaping: Predictive algorithms adjust energy consumption patterns to prevent grid congestion and ensure efficient energy use.
- Integration with Renewable Energy: By synchronizing EV charging and battery storage with periods of high renewable generation, the system maximizes clean energy utilization.
These capabilities are crucial for utilities as they prepare for increasing EV adoption. The influx of electric vehicles presents both challenges and opportunities—without proper load management, local distribution networks could become overwhelmed. However, with coordinated EV charging and energy storage strategies, utilities can transform EVs into valuable grid assets rather than liabilities.
Enhancing the EV Ownership Experience
In addition to benefiting utilities, the EnergyHub-GM partnership enhances the overall experience for EV owners. With seamless software integration, customers can set charging preferences that align with their daily schedules while also participating in grid programs that offer financial incentives. Features such as time-of-use optimization ensure that customers charge their vehicles when electricity prices are lowest, maximizing savings.
Moreover, the ability to contribute stored energy back to the grid not only helps stabilize electricity supply but also empowers consumers to actively participate in the evolving energy landscape. As energy markets shift toward decentralized models, such integrations pave the way for a more consumer-driven and sustainable future.
A Vision for the Future
“Our partnership with GM is a significant step forward in expanding the reach and impact of our utility clients’ EV and stationary storage programs,” said Jeff Huron, Senior Manager, EV Strategy and Business Development at EnergyHub. “Direct integrations with automakers like GM allow us to create the best possible experience for customers while ensuring utilities are prepared for the increasing demand from electric vehicles and distributed energy resources.”
As an approved direct Edge DERMS integration partner, EnergyHub will begin offering access to eligible GM electric vehicles and home energy storage systems later this year. This collaboration exemplifies how the automotive and energy sectors can work together to address pressing challenges in grid management while providing economic and environmental benefits to consumers.
