Yes, but only in specific cases. To sell electricity from an EV back to the grid, you generally need a vehicle and bidirectional charger that work together, utility approval to export power, and an active program that pays participants. More often, home EV owners can save on electricity by shifting charging to cheaper hours; that is a bill saving, not cash earned by sending battery power to the grid.
How home EV charging can produce a financial benefit
Three different arrangements are often grouped under “vehicle-to-grid,” but only one can pay you for exported electricity.
| Arrangement | What happens | How you may benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Managed charging (V1G) | Software adjusts when or how quickly your EV charges. It does not send battery energy back to the grid. | Charging in lower-cost periods can reduce your electricity bill. Some programs offer a separate enrollment incentive. |
| Vehicle-to-home/building (V2H/V2B) | A bidirectional vehicle supplies power to a home or building, such as during an outage or a high-price period. | You may use less grid electricity or have backup power. Backup capability alone does not mean the utility pays you. |
| Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) | A compatible EV and bidirectional charger export energy through an approved grid connection. | A utility or program may compensate you, subject to its eligibility and participation rules. |
The U.S. Department of Energy says programs that incentivize V2G for vehicle applications are not yet widely in place. That makes direct export payments a conditional opportunity, not a standard feature of home EV charging. DOE’s overview of managed EV charging distinguishes managed charging from exporting vehicle energy.
What you might earn: program examples, not a national rate
There is no established national rate or typical household V2G earning in the cited sources. Payments depend on your utility territory, eligible equipment, interconnection approval, event participation, and the program’s calculation. A payment advertised by one company or utility should not be treated as a forecast for another location.
#1 Best Overall
- Charge with Confidence: ChargePoint builds reliable, flexible EV charging stations for home, business, and fleets. Get 24/7 support and access to hundreds of thousands of North American charging locations.
- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features. Note: WiFi is needed for certain functionalities and troubleshooting steps if connectivity issues arise.
- Vast Network: Wherever you go, ChargePoint’s network includes 274k+ stations across North America and Europe and 565k+ roaming partner stations.
- Safe & Durable: Rely on this UL-certified EV charger for safe home charging. It can be installed indoors or outdoors by an electrician and includes a cold-resistant cable.
- Fast & Powerful: This EV charger charges 9× faster than a 120V outlet, delivering up to 45 mi/hr., dependent upon your vehicle. It features a J1772 connector for all non-Tesla EVs and requires a 20A or 80A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter.
Tesla and California’s ELRP A.5
Tesla’s current program page describes $2 per incremental kilowatt-hour discharged during a qualifying event for eligible participants in California’s ELRP A.5 program. Tesla gives an “up to $690” example based on a Powershare system’s stated 11.5 kW continuous rating over 30 event hours: $2 × 11.5 kW × 30 hours. That is a maximum-potential calculation under those assumptions, not an average or guaranteed payment. Eligibility is utility-controlled and limited to qualifying Tesla Powershare setups and residential account conditions; actual payment depends on event count, plug-in frequency, and energy shared. Participants pay their charging and other use costs, and program terms describe access to personal and energy-use information for administration. See Tesla’s ELRP A.5 program terms.
PG&E V2X and Hourly Flex Pricing
PG&E says its V2X program is open to residential and commercial customers, with incentives subject to program requirements. It includes backup-power testing and grid-connected options; applicants are advised to check eligible products and discuss home readiness with an electrician before buying. Interconnection and rate conditions apply, and PG&E states that enrollment closes June 30, 2027. The date is the utility’s stated enrollment deadline, so confirm current status and terms on PG&E’s V2X page.
Rank #2
- Flex Level 1 EV Charger - The EVDANCE Level 1 electric car charger is compatible with J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (North American Standard). *Tesla requires a SAE J1772 adapter.
- Convenient to Use - This charger has both NEMA 6-20 plug for 16A 240V charging (3.68kW, 10-12 mi/h) and a NEMA 6-20 to 5-15 plug adapter for 12A 120V charging (1.44kW, 2-5 mi/h). The included bag makes it easier to carry on the go. It also has a 25ft cable length, you can use it flexibly from anywhere in the garage or driveway.
- Check Your Outlet Type -This charger works with standard 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets (2-5 mph charging speed) and 240V NEMA 6-20 outlets (10-12 mph) . It's not compatible with NEMA 6-15/10-30/14-30/14-50/6-50 outlets – you'll need a NEMA 14-50/14-30/10-30/6-50 to 6-20 adapter (sold separately) to connect.
- Compatible EV Models -This EV charger works with most major electric vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Nissan Ariya, Rivian R1S, Kia, and others. However, it's not compatible with Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop,Toyota Prus Prime/Z4X/RAV4Prime, Porsche Taycan Base/4S/Turbo/Turbo S or Tesla models (Tesla requires a J1772 to Tesla Adapter, sold separately). For a full list of compatible models, check out the Full Compatibility List on our product page.
- Indication Displays - LED display that can tell you the status as well as indicate errors while charging your electric vehicle.
PG&E’s separate Hourly Flex Pricing option lets eligible customers shift charging to cheaper hours and potentially discharge at high-price times. Prices vary hourly, are forecast seven days ahead, and are set one day ahead. Customers continue paying their regular bill; PG&E says it issues a credit after each 12 months if the comparison rate would have cost less, with charging costs and export savings or earnings reflected at annual true-up. Listed criteria include Rule 21 interconnection and CCA participation where applicable. The page says customers with existing solar may join V2X and backup testing, but not Hourly Flex Pricing. Check the PG&E EV rate-plan details before relying on a potential saving or credit.
PG&E EV Charge Manager enrollment incentive
PG&E lists a $75 Tango gift card for qualifying EV Charge Manager enrollment. This is an enrollment incentive, not payment for exporting electricity. The listed conditions include at least three months enrolled and WeaveGrid connectivity at least 50% of the time. The current page limits eligibility to residential PG&E customers in Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Alameda, or San Mateo County who live in a single-family or detached home and own or lease an eligible Tesla, or use a supported Wallbox, ChargePoint, or Emporia charger. PG&E describes the program as free for qualified drivers and says it schedules charging for off-peak periods. Confirm restrictions on PG&E’s EV Charge Manager page.
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- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car.
- PLUG IN, NO HARDWIRING: Level 2 charger delivers up to 40A to fully charge most EVs overnight. Plugs into a 240V, 4-prong NEMA 14-50 outlet (the RV/range type - NOT a dryer outlet) on a dedicated 50A circuit. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that you have the right outlet.
- CONTROL & SAVE FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start/stop charging, set speed (6-40A), get reminders, and track energy use and cost. Schedule off-peak overnight charging to cut your electric bill. Requires 2.4 GHz WiFi.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
Bidirectional Energy’s advertised estimate
Bidirectional Energy advertises potential earnings of $500–$1,500 per year from selling excess energy to the grid. This is the company’s marketing claim, not an independently established typical outcome. Its compatibility statement, explicitly dated January 2025, named the Kia EV9 and Wallbox Quasar 2. Verify current vehicle and charger eligibility, your location, the payment calculation, and the complete terms directly with the provider; the estimate is not a guarantee. See Bidirectional Energy’s earnings page.
What you need before your EV can export electricity
A bidirectional charger listing or a V2H feature does not by itself authorize grid export. The vehicle, charger, installation, utility interconnection, and program must all be suitable for the intended use.
Rank #4
- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway.
- HARDWIRED - PROFESSIONAL INSTALL: This Level 2 charger is hardwired (not plug-in), so a licensed electrician installs it per National Electrical Code. It delivers up to 48A on a dedicated 60A, 240V circuit - enough to charge most EVs fully overnight. Want more speed? You can set DIP switches 4 and 5 to unlock 50A on a dedicated 70A circuit. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that your electrical panel can support the circuit.
- CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start and stop charging, set the charging speed (6-48A), get reminders, and track how much energy and money each charge uses. Requires a 2.4 GHz home WiFi network.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
- Check the vehicle and charger as a pair. Confirm that the specific EV and bidirectional charger are supported together for grid export, not merely for home backup. Compatibility changes over time; the Kia EV9 and Wallbox Quasar 2 pairing was identified by Bidirectional Energy as of January 2025, which is not proof of current eligibility or universal support.
- Confirm certification and local approval. The California Energy Commission’s V2G equipment registry covers UL 1741-certified bidirectional equipment, but certification does not guarantee utility approval. The CEC says, “Before delivering power to the grid, customers must go through the utility’s interconnection process and receive Permission to Operate from the utility.” Check its V2G equipment information and your utility’s requirements.
- Get the utility’s requirements before buying or installing. Ask whether the equipment and proposed export arrangement can be interconnected at your address, whether Rule 21 or other requirements apply, and whether the program requires a particular rate, aggregator, or CCA participation.
- Verify the program’s operating terms. Find out how events are scheduled, whether you can opt out, what battery reserve you can set, how long you must stay enrolled, when and how payments are calculated, and what data the program accesses.
An ordinary one-way Level 2 EV charger charges the car; it is not evidence that the setup can export stored energy to the grid. A bidirectional charger such as the Wallbox Quasar 2 is only a candidate to investigate, not a guarantee of compatibility, utility approval, availability, or revenue.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to decide whether the economics work
Compare the likely benefit with the full cost and the control you give the program. A payment or bill credit can be outweighed by equipment, installation, charging, or participation costs, and a stated maximum or annual estimate may not match your actual use.
Best Value
- [Up to 9x Faster Charging Speed]: Provides up to 46 miles/hour charging speed via hardwired connection (48 amp - up to 9x faster than a standard wall outlet) or up to 38 miles/hour via the NEMA 14-50 plug (40 amp). Professional installation recommended for optimal safety and performance. [Install The Power Outlet Cord]: No smaller than 8AWG if charge 40-48A, we suggest 6AWG cord.(1.The input side is belongs to the electrician electric automobile regulation scope, need to use three 6AWG cable wires for 48A; 2.The charging cable belongs to the automotive connector certification standard, so the 8AWG cable can meet the 48A.)
- [DESIGNED WITH J1772 Connector for All North America j1772 Connector EVs/PHEVs. Not fits for Tesla/Nacs Connector Cars(j1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]: Compatible with Tesla cars (Adapter needed, not included), Ford, GM, Audi, Kia, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Gmc, Chevrolet Bolt, VW ID 4, Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E, IONIQ 5 2024 and before, BMW i3, i4, iX, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, etc. [Not fits for Nac connector cars-Kia EV6 2025/EV9,Ariya 2025&2025 loniq 5(J1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]
- [Safety & Faster Charging with ETL, FCC, Energy Star Certified]: Meets the Safety Criteria Defined by: SAE J1772, UL2231-1/-2, UL 991, UL 2231, UL 2251, UL1998 and UL 2594. (ETL and FCC certified EV car charger with 3-year Warranty)
- [Plug-play Mode(The Default Setting), Smart Touch Screen, No APP Needed]: Clearly show the charging amperage, charging speed, input voltage, delay time, etc. For the touch buttons: 1. Pull out the charging gun before press the buttons, otherwise no respond; 2. Long press "Ⓐ" or "Time" button to enter the setting interface, then you can adjust the amperage from 16A to 48A freely or Set the charging start time; 3. You can do "factory reset" if doesn't charging.
- [Smart WIFI APP, You can Set the Charging Period]: By APP, you can wirelessly check the charging cost, history, fully-charged notification, track the charging status, during off-peak period, etc. [Wi-Fi Reset/Factory Reset Function, Add New Device Quickly]: If you can't find your device or you have replaced a new phone, just pull out the charging latches, simultaneously long press the Ⓐ button and time adjustment button on the product screen until it shows "Factory Reset", then wait 3-5 seconds and re-start your device.
- Upfront costs: Include bidirectional equipment, electrical work, permits, and any home-readiness upgrades. Ask an electrician about requirements before purchasing.
- Energy costs: Account for the cost of charging the battery and any energy used at home or exported. A payment per exported kilowatt-hour is not the same as profit per kilowatt-hour.
- Payment type and timing: Separate an enrollment gift card from a recurring bill credit or event-based export payment. Check thresholds, true-up timing, and how the program measures eligible energy.
- Participation and control: Understand event frequency, required availability, battery reserve settings, remote control, and opt-out rights. More participation may mean less flexibility over when the vehicle is charged or discharged.
- Eligibility conflicts: Check how existing solar, your rate plan, CCA or aggregator participation, and other demand-response programs affect eligibility.
- Data terms: Review what personal and energy-use information the provider can access and how it is used to administer the program.
If you are comparing options, first determine whether your goal is a lower bill, backup power, or direct export income. They involve different equipment and program rules; do not count bill savings or a one-time enrollment reward as V2G earnings.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
