B5._ Vehicle to building technology
Use energy from EV batteries to shift peak building loads and provide emergency power to buildings.
Boulder is running a pilot program with two-way charging technology from Fermata Energy, which stores cheap off-peak power in the battery of one of the city’s Nissan LEAF’s, and then supplies the city’s North Boulder Recreation Center with power during peak periods, reducing the Center’s electrical bills. (The city expects its project website to display data starting early in 2021.)
Fermata is working on a similar system for home owners, which could also be used to provide power to the home during blackouts and emergencies. The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia’s EV6 will also provide bidirectional charging, with plugs providing 110V current for use while camping or during blackouts.
New companies making electric pickups like Lordstown and Rivian are touting their ability to charge tools. Ford’s electric F-150 Lightning pickup, which has a bigger battery than passenger cars, will be capable of supplying a typical home for three days, or for ten with reduced use. Ford and Sunrun will collaborate to offer a zero-down installed package integrating rooftop solar with the truck, and reducing homeowners’ power bills from the first day in markets like California.