Cars That Power Homes? Congress Eyes a 2029 EV Shift

Bipartisan proposals could make bidirectional EV charging standard by 2029, linking cars and the grid

18 Dec 2025

US lawmakers are considering bipartisan proposals that would require new electric vehicles to support bidirectional charging from 2029, a move that could turn millions of cars into distributed energy assets and deepen links between the transport and power sectors.

The measures, introduced by lawmakers including Congresswoman Julia Brownley, remain under review but reflect a shift in how policymakers view electric vehicles. Beyond reducing emissions, EVs are increasingly seen as mobile batteries that could help supply homes and support the grid during peak demand, outages and extreme weather.

The proposals come as pressure on the US electricity system grows. Power demand is rising, driven by electrification and data centres, while renewable generation adds variability to supply. Utilities are seeking flexible sources of capacity that can reduce the need for new grid infrastructure. Bidirectional charging would allow energy already stored in vehicles, which are parked for much of the day, to be used more effectively.

Some carmakers are already testing this approach. Ford and General Motors sell limited numbers of vehicles with vehicle-to-home or backup power features, typically marketed as resilience tools rather than grid services. These systems are not yet standard across models, but they signal how bidirectional charging could move from an optional extra to a regulatory requirement.

Work on technical standards is also under way. Industry bodies such as the National Electrical Manufacturers Association are developing frameworks, including EVSE Power Export Permitting, designed to ensure charging equipment can safely manage electricity flowing both into and out of vehicles. The aim is to ease adoption by utilities and regulators.

Significant challenges remain. Poorly coordinated exports of power could strain local grids, and questions persist over who controls charging, how data are shared and how vehicle owners are compensated. Some companies, including Tesla, have favoured tightly controlled energy systems, underscoring the strategic choices facing manufacturers as policy evolves.

Even so, momentum is building. As Congress debates these proposals, electric vehicles are steadily shifting from passive consumers of power to active participants in the energy system, a change that could reshape both the grid and the automotive industry.