Resource Innovations & The Mobility House to Lead Massachusetts V2X Pilot
Resource Innovations (RI), a leading provider of clean energy solutions, and The Mobility House (TMH), a global leader in vehicle-grid integration (VGI) technology, have been selected by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to lead a groundbreaking, statewide vehicle-to-everything (V2X) demonstration program. This two-year initiative will deploy bidirectional charging infrastructure to enhance grid resilience, lower energy costs, and increase renewable energy integration across Massachusetts. The program represents one of the most ambitious state-led V2X initiatives in the U.S., marking a significant step toward the future of energy and transportation.
Overview of the V2X Demonstration Program
The initiative will install 100 bidirectional chargers across various sectors, including residential, school bus, municipal, and commercial fleet participants. These chargers will enable electric vehicles (EVs) to function as mobile energy storage assets, collectively contributing an estimated 1.5 MW of new storage capacity throughout Massachusetts. A primary goal of the program is to prioritize deployment in low-income and disadvantaged communities, ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge clean energy solutions.
According to Rachel Ackerman, Senior Director of Clean Transportation at MassCEC, “Vehicle-to-everything technology is key to leveraging electric vehicles as assets to the grid, both as a financial resource and for improving reliability. Through a targeted deployment of bidirectional chargers across a variety of sectors, barriers can be quickly identified and resolved, demonstrating a clear pathway for an accelerated application of V2X technology. MassCEC’s V2X program is a crucial step in Massachusetts’s efforts to enable wide-scale adoption of electric vehicles.”
Key Benefits of the V2X Program
The V2X demonstration program aims to showcase the potential of bidirectional charging technology in several ways:
- Charging Infrastructure: Participants will receive bidirectional charging stations and installation at no cost, reducing financial barriers to adoption.
- Grid Resilience: By adding 1.5 MW of flexible, distributed storage capacity, the program enhances the state’s energy infrastructure and reduces strain on the grid.
- Renewable Energy Support: V2G technology enables EVs to charge when renewable energy is abundant and discharge stored energy when renewable sources are unavailable, optimizing clean energy utilization.
- Backup Power: Participants will have access to mobile energy storage, providing crucial backup power during outages.
- Revenue Opportunities: Some participants may be compensated for sending stored energy back to the grid, turning their EVs into financial assets.
Kelly Helfrich, Vice President of Transportation Electrification Practice at Resource Innovations, emphasized the impact of the program, stating, “With the charging infrastructure provided through this program, we’re eliminating financial barriers and enabling school districts, homeowners, and fleets to access reliable backup power. By documenting our processes, we aim to create a scalable blueprint for V2X programs nationwide.”
Similarly, Russell Vare, Vice President of Vehicle Grid Integration at The Mobility House North America, noted, “This program activates the potential of EVs as energy storage assets. Bidirectional charging benefits vehicle owners by providing backup power and revenue opportunities while strengthening the grid for the entire community.”
Addressing Key Challenges
Despite the significant advantages of V2X technology, widespread adoption faces several barriers, including infrastructure costs, regulatory uncertainties, and consumer awareness. This program aims to address these challenges by:
- Providing No-Cost Infrastructure: By covering the cost of bidirectional chargers and installation, the program removes a major financial hurdle for participants.
- Collaborating with Key Stakeholders: A coalition of industry leaders, utilities, and local governments will work together to identify and resolve deployment challenges.
- Educating Participants: Public engagement efforts will inform EV owners and fleet operators about the benefits and functionalities of V2X technology.
- Developing a Scalable Model: The Massachusetts V2X Guidebook, created through this program, will serve as a framework for future initiatives nationwide.
Key Partners and Their Roles
The success of this ambitious initiative depends on collaboration between multiple organizations with expertise in clean energy, transportation, and infrastructure:
- Resource Innovations: Responsible for program management, implementation, reporting, and energy program design.
- The Mobility House: Provides advanced VGI software and extensive experience in V2G deployment.
- Voltrek and B2Q: Offer local engineering, site design, and construction expertise for charger installations.
- Converge Strategies and Vehicle-Grid Integration Council: Lead stakeholder engagement and coordinate efforts with utilities, local governments, and industry partners to create a Massachusetts V2X Guidebook.
Positioning Massachusetts as a Clean Energy Leader
By successfully implementing this program, Massachusetts Mobility is positioning itself at the forefront of clean energy innovation in the U.S. The initiative aligns with the state’s broader climate and sustainability goals, reinforcing its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the adoption of clean transportation technologies. Furthermore, by prioritizing low-income and disadvantaged communities, the program underscores the importance of equitable access to clean energy solutions.
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s V2X program is expected to yield valuable insights into the operational, technical, and economic aspects of bidirectional charging. These insights will not only shape future V2X programs in Massachusetts but also influence policy and deployment strategies across the country.
Future Prospects
As the program progresses, the deployment of bidirectional chargers will be closely monitored to assess performance, user experience, and grid impact. The data collected will help refine strategies for scaling V2X technology in Massachusetts and beyond. In addition, the success of this initiative could encourage further investment in V2X infrastructure, spurring additional pilot programs in other states.
