The Road to a Bidirectional Future Just Got a Green Light

NEMA’s new guidelines accelerate V2G tech development as Ford, Duke, and Enphase gear up to turn EVs into energy assets

7 Mar 2025

A new US standard is accelerating efforts to make electric vehicles an active part of the nation’s power grid.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) in February introduced the EVSE Power Export Permitting Standard, outlining how charging stations can be approved to send power back to the grid. While it does not require two-way charging, the guidance establishes safety and interoperability benchmarks expected to spur development of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems.

By setting a consistent national reference, the framework reduces regulatory fragmentation and provides a clearer pathway for companies seeking to deploy bidirectional charging at scale.

California-based Enphase Energy is developing a charger designed to meet the new specifications. The device, slated for release in 2026, will feature enhanced cybersecurity tools and real-time grid communication to manage energy exchange safely.

Ford is also testing the technology, piloting V2G-enabled vehicles in California and Florida. The trials explore how parked electric trucks and cars can feed electricity into the grid during peak periods or power cuts, offering households an alternative energy source while supporting grid stability.

Duke Energy is studying similar applications, examining how connected EVs could act as distributed power reserves during emergencies. Executives say the approach could improve grid resilience and open new revenue opportunities for drivers.

Although smaller manufacturers may find compliance more complex, industry groups view the NEMA initiative as a practical step forward. It defines technical and communication requirements for bidirectional charging without imposing federal mandates, leaving room for innovation.

“This standard brings direction without dictation,” said one industry analyst. “It empowers the market to evolve confidently toward a bidirectional future.”

As electric vehicle adoption grows, the new guidelines mark a shift in how energy flows through American infrastructure, positioning cars not only as consumers of power but as contributors to the grid.