Wallbox is expanding its two-way EV charger program in the US
After launching its first US residential pilot last week in California with six Quasar 2 bi-directional chargers, Wallbox wasted no time expanding. The electric car charging company is now rolling out a new program that will bring bidirectional power to 180 homes across California and Connecticut.
Electric cars that power homes and the grid
Pilot programs begin with Kia EV9 owners, who can use Wallbox’s Quasar 2 bidirectional charger and Bidirectional Energy’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform to save money, support the grid and make EVs part of the clean energy transition. The program will later be extended to other vehicles and households.
Participants receive big incentives: up to $8,800 in California and $10,800 in Connecticut to cover charger and installation costs. Homeowners can save up to $1,500 a year on their energy bills and earn an additional $1,350 through grid participation.
Converting electric cars to home batteries
The Quasar 2 is a 12.48 kilowatt bi-directional charger that can charge your electric car, power your home or send power back to the grid. In conjunction with the Wallbox power recovery unit, it can also act as a backup generator to maintain power for several days during outages.
With energy prices rising and power outages becoming more frequent, bi-directional charging gives homeowners more control and independence. The Bidirectional Energy app allows users to set billing preferences, manage network participation and track earnings.
How it works
To qualify for the first stage, participants must:
- Own or lease a Kia EV9.
- Live in a single-family home or small multifamily home (four units or less).
- Be a customer of participating utilities.
- Agree to share charging data and sign up for time-of-use or demand response programs.
Priority will be given to underserved communities in both states.
Homeowners can check eligibility and apply through Bidirectional Energy’s website. Once approved, they can buy and install Quasar 2 and then submit receipts for government-funded rebates through the Bidirectional Energy app. The company will take care of connecting utilities, paying rebates and setting up the program. From there, Kia EV9 drivers can set their preferences and let the system do the rest.
“Bi-directional charging has the potential to change the way people use and manage energy at home,” said Douglas Alfaro, Wallbox’s director of business development. “By partnering with Bidirectional Energy, we’re enabling EV owners to turn their vehicles into energy assets, making money while supporting a more resilient grid.”
California residents can learn more here and Connecticut residents can apply here.
Read more: Wallbox chargers allow the Kia EV9 to power households for the first time
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