Congress Eyes 2029 Deadline for Power-Sharing EVs

Proposed federal law would make bidirectional charging mandatory for most new EVs from model year 2029

26 Feb 2026

Washington is weighing a proposal that could fundamentally expand the role of electric vehicles in America’s energy system. The Bidirectional Electric Vehicle Charging Act of 2025, now under consideration in Congress, would require most new EVs manufactured for model year 2029 and later to support bidirectional charging capability.

If enacted, the mandate would not impose an immediate calendar deadline. Instead, it would apply to new EVs beginning with model year 2029, giving automakers a defined runway to adapt product plans. The legislation directs the Department of Energy to establish national technical standards and a coordinated rollout roadmap, aiming to move vehicle to grid technology from limited pilot programs into nationwide infrastructure.

The bill also encourages emergency planners to treat EV batteries as distributed backup power resources during disasters. In effect, millions of connected vehicles could become mobile energy assets, capable of powering homes, supporting critical facilities, and stabilizing the grid during peak demand or extreme weather events.

For automakers, the proposal signals a strategic inflection point. Some companies have already introduced vehicle to home capabilities, but a federal requirement tied to model year 2029 would push bidirectional systems across broader portfolios. That shift demands platform level engineering updates, new supplier coordination, software integration, and early compliance planning. Aligning roadmaps now could help control cost exposure and reduce regulatory risk if the bill advances.

The upside is substantial. As EV adoption accelerates, aggregated battery capacity could represent one of the largest distributed storage networks in the country. Analysts frequently point to Department of Energy projections showing that widespread electrification could unlock massive grid balancing potential. Monetizing that flexibility could create new revenue streams for drivers, utilities, and energy service providers.

Charging equipment manufacturers and grid software firms also stand to benefit. A national framework would replace today’s patchwork of state policies with clearer design targets, potentially accelerating private investment and infrastructure buildout.

Challenges remain, particularly around added vehicle costs and supply chain complexity. Still, the proposal reflects a growing consensus that EVs are central to both transportation and energy resilience. If momentum continues, model year 2029 could mark the beginning of a new competitive era where vehicles do far more than move people.