Inside the FIU–NextNRG Push for Grid-Ready EVs

Campus project tests automated, bidirectional charging as universities and energy firms explore new grid partnerships

16 Dec 2025

Florida International University has partnered with energy company NextNRG to test wireless, bidirectional electric vehicle charging, as campuses and private firms increasingly collaborate on technologies that link transport with power systems.

The partnership centres on a demonstration project at FIU that deploys wireless charging infrastructure across the university campus. According to FIU and NextNRG, the system allows electric vehicles to charge without cables and is designed to return electricity to campus energy systems during periods of higher demand. The project remains confined to the campus and does not yet involve a broader utility rollout.

Both partners describe the initiative as a test bed for vehicle-to-grid integration, an area attracting growing interest as electric vehicle adoption rises. Universities have emerged as attractive sites for such trials because they combine fleet vehicles, predictable usage patterns and on-site energy management.

Automation is a central feature of the collaboration. By embedding charging technology into parking areas and roadways, the system removes the need for drivers to plug in vehicles or manage charging schedules. Supporters say this could make it easier for vehicles to provide energy services without relying on individual behaviour.

“This is about making electric vehicles part of the energy solution, not just another load on the grid,” said Michael Farkas, chief executive of NextNRG, in a statement announcing the partnership.

Industry analysts say partnerships between technology providers and institutional hosts are likely to shape the early development of vehicle-to-grid systems. Controlled environments such as campuses allow companies to test hardware, software and operational models before engaging utilities or regulators.

The collaboration also reflects wider market pressures. Utilities are preparing for higher electricity demand as transport electrifies, while policymakers are encouraging projects that improve grid resilience and support renewable energy. Data from campus partnerships are expected to inform future standards and regulatory frameworks.

Challenges remain for both partners. Wireless charging systems involve higher upfront costs than conventional plug-in infrastructure, and questions persist around efficiency, reliability and the scale at which bidirectional charging can be deployed. Utilities also remain cautious about depending on mobile assets.

Still, the FIU–NextNRG partnership illustrates how collaboration between academic institutions and energy companies is moving vehicle-to-grid concepts closer to real-world application, even as widespread deployment remains some way off.