For a limited time, Efficiency Vermont will cover the full cost of buying and installing a bidirectional EV charger, up to $17,000.
Bidirectional charging means your home can power your EV or your EV can power select loads in your home. A bidirectional EV charger, such as the Ara Home Energy Station from dcbel, lets you use your vehicle as a backup power source, keeping your home’s power running during outages and making your home more resilient during disruptions such as extreme weather. You can also send power back to the grid during periods of high demand.
Why bidirectional EV charging?
- Fast EV charging: Provides fast level 2 (240V) EV charging.
- Home power backup: Automatically draw power from your EV during a power outage.
- Advancing grid resiliency and state climate goals: This pilot program will help us learn about the technology and ensure we can help meet Vermont’s climate goals.
What is required to participate?
- Eligible vehicles: Must own a V2X compatible vehicle, including a Nissan Leaf model year 2018 or newer, Polestar 3 model year 2025 or newer, or Volvo EX90 model year 2025 or newer.
- Vehicle ownership: Must own the vehicle. Leased vehicles are not eligible.
- Electrical panel: Must have a 200-amp panel.
- Breaker availability: Must have three available breakers, including one double-pole breaker.
- Internet service: Your home must have internet service with wireless capabilities reaching the charger.
- Installation location: Installation must be within 50 feet of the main panel.
- Home ownership: You must own your home to participate.
- Solar and battery backup: Homes with solar panels and/or battery backup systems are not eligible.
- Backup power interest: You must be interested in establishing backup power, including required electrical work to isolate critical loads.
- Participating utility: Must be a residential customer of Vermont Electric Co-op or Washington Electric Co-op. Participating Vermont Electric Co-op members may be eligible for an additional incentive. Call (802) 635-2331 to learn more.
- Grid export event participation: Participants may be asked to join up to 10 grid export events, each lasting about two to three hours. You are only required to have your EV plugged in during these 10 pre-scheduled events. Participation will not increase electric bills, and vehicles will remain sufficiently charged. Participants can opt out if needed, before or during an event, though full participation is preferred.
Apply to join the pilot
Fill out this interest form to let us know you would like to be considered for this pilot program. A member of our team will contact you to discuss the opportunity.
Completing this form does not enroll or commit you to the program. Efficiency Vermont will review all form submissions to determine applicant eligibility. After you submit this form, a member of our team will be in touch within a week to confirm whether you've been selected to participate and to discuss next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which EV chargers qualify?
The dcbel Ara Home Energy Station (which has bidirectional charging capability) is eligible.
Which EVs qualify?
Nissan Leaf model year 2018 or newer, Polestar 3 model year 2025 or newer, or Volvo EX90 model year 2025 or newer.
Does the Ara need to be installed professionally?
Yes. The dcbel Ara must be installed by a licensed electrician, and you must select an installer approved by dcbel. Efficiency Vermont can provide contact information for all approved installers.
Can the charger power my whole home?
Like many home backup options such as generators and battery systems, you will have the option to prioritize critical loads during outages. An electrician will help you identify these loads.
How does the backup power turn on?
There is an automatic transfer switch that will turn on the backup power during a power outage. It will power the critical loads in your home as defined in advance with your electrician.
What are the estimated costs for an installed dcbel Ara before Efficiency Vermont’s rebate?
A dcbel Ara is $9,999. Installation costs are estimated to be between $7,000 and $11,000. Estimated installation costs do not include additional electrical work to integrate solar with your EV charger, upgrade electrical panels or electrical service entrance, etc.
What if I have solar?
You are unfortunately not eligible to participate in the pilot.
Can I add solar later if I start with bidirectional charging?
Yes. The Ara is solar-ready.
What happens during a grid export event?
During an export event, your EV will send power to the grid for two to three hours. You need to have your EV plugged into the Ara for the duration of the event, and then for a period of time after the event to return your EV battery to your desired state of charge. Your battery’s state of charge will never go below 40% during these events.
How do I opt out of the grid export events?
You will have the option to opt out through the dcbel app, both before and during the event.
Does participation commit me to having my EV managed by my utility going forward?
No, ongoing participation in a utility-offered flexible load management program is voluntary.
What is the next step to participate?
Please complete the interest form. Additional details will be sent to eligible participants by email.
This pilot is brought to you in partnership by:
