Vehicle-to-Everything Demonstration Projects

Man in sports jacket plugging in a car outside a house

MassCEC / Clean Transportation / Funding / Vehicle to Everything Demonstration

The Challenge: Increase Access to Bi-Directional Charging

Electric vehicles (EVs) can be deployed as a grid resource when connected to the grid via “Vehicle-to-Everything” (V2X) technology. V2X systems are bi-directional, meaning that they both charge and discharge an EV’s battery, enabling EVs to send energy stored in the onboard battery to the local utility grid or to a grid-connected asset such as a building. However, V2X technologies are still relatively new, and consumers seeking to adopt such systems face a complex technical landscape that often varies from one site to the next.

About Vehicle-to-Everything Demonstration Projects

Through Vehicle-to-Everything Demonstration Projects, MassCEC is helping residential, commercial, and school districts that own or are in the process of purchasing an EV capable of bi-directional charging create a more resilient grid using EVs as energy storage.

Selected participants receive a free bi-directional EV charger, including equipment and installation. During the program period, charging data from the installed equipment will be collected and analyzed as part of the V2X Demonstration Program design. Participants may also be called upon to contribute information about their experience using the bi-directional charger.

Learn more about our other electric vehicle charging infrastructure programs.

How to Participate

The application period for this program is now closed. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for future V2X opportunities and news, please email MassCECV2X@resource-innovations.com.

Program Schedule

Stage Timeframe
Expressions of Interest Open February - April 2025
Application Requirements Announced April 2025
Applications Open April - July 2025
Cohort 1 for Residential and Commercial Selected By early June, 2025
School District Cohort Selected End of June 2025
Cohort 2 for Residential and Commercial Selected By early July 2025
Cohort 3 for Residential and Commercial Selected By early August 2025
On-Site Assessments July - December 2025
All Installations Completed September 2026
End of Reporting December 2026

 

Resources

Eligible Vehicles List

Residential

Make model year
Ford F-150 Lightning 2022-2025
Nissan Leaf 2013-2025
KIA EV9 2024-2025

Commercial

MAKE MODEL YEAR
Thomas Built Electric School Bus 2021-2025
Blue Bird Electric School Bus 2021-2025
IC Bus Electric School Bus 2021-2025
BYD Electric School Bus 2021-2025
Evolectric CircularEV Isuzu N-Series 2025

School District

MAKE MODEL YEAR
Thomas Built Electric School Bus 2021-2025
Blue Bird Electric School Bus 2021-2025
IC Bus Electric School Bus 2021-2025
BYD Electric School Bus 2021-2025
Other Bi-Directional Capable Vehicles

The Program team will continue to work with vehicle and charger manufacturers to add as many additional vehicles to the list of eligible vehicles as possible. Please note that while the Program is aiming to include a variety of vehicles, restrictions put in place by some automotive and/or charging station equipment manufacturers may limit the final eligibility of some vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MassCEC Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Program?

This Program seeks to identify and implement a set of electric vehicle (EV) charging demonstration projects across the state of Massachusetts that will allow for vehicle-tohome (V2H) and/or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities and the development of guidance for V2X deployment for different use cases.

What is V2X?

For this Program, V2X describes the bi-directional power flow between an EV and an external load, such as the utility grid, a building, or a home. There are three typical specific variations of V2X: V2H (Vehicle to Home), V2G (Vehicle to Grid) and V2L (Vehicle to Load) Note that vehicles that are solely capable of V2L are not eligible for this program.

What is a bi-directional EV or EV charging station (EVSE) system?

Until recently, EVs have only been capable of uni-directional power flow from the electric grid to their batteries to charge. New technology in both EV and EVSEs has introduced bidirectional power flow to unlock additional functionality. Bi-directional means that EVs and EVSEs now allow power to flow both from the grid or home to charge an EV, and to discharge from the EV to the grid or home. This technology can be used to power buildings during power outages, offset electrical bills by powering buildings during times of high electricity prices, and send energy back to the grid for compensation.

FAQs continued...

Vehicle-to-Everything General

Who is implementing this Program and who can I reach out to for questions?

The MassCEC V2X Program is being implemented by Resource Innovations, MassCEC's approved Implementation Contractor. All questions about the Program can be emailed to MassCECV2X@resource-innovations.com.
Resource Innovations is working with The Mobility House, B2Q, and Voltrek on project identification and deployment, and Converge Strategies and the Vehicle Grid Integration Council on identification of V2X Guidance.

Program Eligibility

Is the Program open for applications now?

No. 

The application period for this program is now closed. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for future V2X opportunities and news, please email MassCECV2X@resource-innovations.com with your request.

 

Which vehicles are currently eligible for the Program?

Residential

  • Ford F-150 Lightning (2022–2025)
  • Nissan Leaf (2013–2025)
  • Kia EV9 (2024–2025)

Commercial

  • Ford F-150 Lightning (2022–2025)
  • Thomas Built Electric Bus (2021–2025)
  • Blue Bird Electric Bus (2021–2025)
  • IC Commercial Bus (2021–2025)
  • BYD Electric School Bus (2021–2025)
  • Evolectric CircularEV Isuzu N-Series (2025)

School Bus

  • Thomas Built  Electric School Bus (2021-2025)
  • BYD Electric School Bus (2021-2025)
  • Blue Bird Electric School Bus (2021-2025)
  • IC Bus Electric School Bus (2021-2025)
  • Micro Bird Electric School Bus (2021-2025)

What about other bi-directional capable vehicles?

The Program team will continue to work with vehicle and charger manufacturers to add as many additional vehicles to the list of eligible vehicles as possible. Please note that while the Program is aiming to include a variety of vehicles, restrictions put in place by some automotive and/or charging station equipment manufacturers may limit the final eligibility of some vehicles.

Program Timeline

How long will the Program operate?

The program will take place between January 2025 and December 2026. Within that time:

  • The Program will accept Expressions of Interest until the full list of Application Requirements is published in April 2025.
  • The Program will accept Applications from April 2025 through July 2025.
  • On-site assessments will be carried out for eligible applicants by December 2025.
  • All installations must be complete by September 2026.
  • Data collection will end by December 2026.

What data will I need to share as part of the Program, and for what duration?

During the Program period, data from any charging equipment installed as part of the Program, as well as applicant experiences, maintenance, and operation logs, will be collected and analyzed to inform a V2X Guidebook. This data will be collected through December 31, 2026. For a full list of fields, see the Terms and Conditions posted on this website.

Will I get to keep my equipment after the Program ends?

Yes. You will retain full ownership of any equipment installed during the Program.

Program Technology

My site will need electrical upgrades to be able to install a bi-directional charger. Will that be covered? 

Selected applicants will receive turn-key installation, including any additional equipment, panel upgrades, wires, trenching etc. required to successfully install the bi-directional chargers. 

What technologies will be installed as part of the Program?

The exact technology will depend on your site and vehicle but will include turn-key installation of bi-directional charger(s) and any related infrastructure required for successful installation. These items will be purchased, installed, and verified at no cost to the participant.

Can I have bi-directional chargers installed along with other electrical upgrades, such as for a solar system, a battery, or a generator?

The MassCEC V2X Demonstration Project Program will only cover the costs directly related to the purchase of and installation of a bi-directional charger. Should you have additional electrical requirements, they will need to be done completely separately from this program.

Can I use the payment for the program requirements towards additional work: for example, could I use the amount that would have been paid for a 200-amp panel towards the purchase of a 400-amp panel?

No. The program will pay the installers directly for only the materials and work directly related to the installation of the V2X chargers.

Can I contract with the installers for additional electrical work?

There are no restrictions in the program on working with the installers outside of the program, however this must be done under an entirely separate contract and scheduled for an entirely separate day. Installers are not permitted to schedule work not directly related to the program on the same day as program-related work.

Other Available Programs

How does this Program interact with other EV programs?

This Program is not related to other EV programs. Below is a table provided for guidance on some common EV programs in Massachusetts. While all due care has been taken to provide the information below, applicants should consult directly any documents related to any other programs or rebates they have participated in to ensure continued compliance.

Demand Response Programs

Program Name

Administered By

Description

Can this be used together with the MassCEC Program?

Connected Solutions Program

Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil

Customers can receive an incentive for dispatching their EV batteries during ISO NE peak demand events.  Commercial Customers can choose to dispatch on a targeted basis (up to 8 times per Summer season) or on a more regular basis (30 to 60 times per Summer season.) Residential customers would need to respond the 30-60 times per summer

Yes.

Connected Homes Program

Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company

Expected in July/August 2025

Yes

ENE does not have a DR program at this time. There is potential for ENE to have one by the end of 2025, but there are no expected conflicts. Customers would likely be use the DR program with the MassCEC program. 

 

Time of Use (V1G) Programs

Program Name

Administered By

Description

Can this be used together with the MassCEC Program?

Eversource Managed Charging Program

Eversource

Encourages charging at non-peak times

Yes, for eligible vehicles if program is available.

May not be used together with the Connected Solutions Demand Response Program

National Grid Off-Peak Charging Program (Charge Smart MA)

National Grid

Encourages charging at non-peak times

Yes, for eligible vehicles.

May not be used together with the Connected Solutions Demand Response Program

Unitil EV Time of Use Rate for Residential Customers

Unitil

Encourages charging at off-peak times.  Being a participant in the Unitil Ready2Charge Residential

Yes, for eligible vehicles. May not be used together with the Connected Solutions Demand Response Program.

Unitil Demand Charge Alternative rate for Commercial and Municipal Customers

https://unitil.com/faqs/there-rate-ma-commercial-customers-have-ev-charging-stations

Unitil

Customers can receive reduced rates for demand costs based on their monthly utilization factor, calculated yearly.  Being a participant in the Unitil Ready2Charge Public Rebate Program is not required.

Yes, for eligible vehicles.

May be able to be used together with the Connected Solutions Demand Response Program.  Please contact Unitil for potential exceptions if this applies to you.

Off peak charging programs, ‘Bring your own charger’ programs

Some MLPs

Residential customers receive a monthly bill credit for participating in off-peak charging

Likely yes, but verify with your program.

 

EVSE Readiness Programs

Program Name

Administered By

Description

Can this be used together with the MassCEC Program?

Eversource Charging Rebates

Eversource

Rebates against the cost of wiring or panel upgrades needed to install Level 2 Smart Chargers

Not able to use in parallel.

National Grid EV Charging Upgrade Program

National Grid

Upgrade home wiring for EV chargers

Not able to use in parallel

If previously used: must be enrolled in off-peak for 12 months after receiving a make-ready rebate. If not, there is a clawback clause. Please contact National Grid for potential program exceptions if this applies to you.

National Grid Turnkey EV Charging Installation Program

National Grid

Upgrade home wiring for EV chargers

Not able to use in parallel

If previously used: must be enrolled in off-peak for 12 months after receiving a make-ready rebate. If not, there is a clawback clause. Please contact National Grid for potential program exceptions if this applies to you.

Unitil Ready2Charge Residential Rebate Program

Unitil

Set up a Level 2 EV Charger at your home.  The EV Time of Use Rate is required.

Yes, for wiring/panel upgrades only AND if installing a system that can only operate in islanded mode (because this requires enrollment in the TOU rate)

MLP Rebate Programs

Mulitple MLPs

Programs vary by MLP

Programs may include Level 2 EV Charger installation rebates, upgrade to home wiring, upgrades to electrical panel or service, load management devices.

 

Some programs have pre-requisites or requirements to participate in off-peak programs prior to receiving an EV charging rebate.

Likely yes, but verify with each program.

 

 

 

MassCEC / Clean Transportation / Funding / Vehicle-to-Everything Demonstration Projects