1. Maryland’s DRIVE Act enables bidirectional vehicle-to-grid technology and creates virtual power plants using distributed energy resources.
2. The legislation expands utility time-of-use tariffs for EV charging at off-peak rates for investor-owned utilities in the state.
3. The bill, which is set to be signed by Governor Wes Moore, requires the Public Service Commission to establish new regulations by 2025 for EVs to inject energy into the grid.
The Maryland General Assembly has passed the “first-of-a-kind” DRIVE Act that allows bidirectional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology and the creation of distributed energy resource (DER) virtual power plants. This legislation also expands utility time-of-use tariffs for EV charging at off-peak rates, applying to investor-owned utilities (IOUs).
The bill is now awaiting Governor Wes Moore’s signature, with the Public Service Commission required to establish new regulations by May 1, 2025, allowing EVs to inject energy into the grid. Maryland will be the first state to adopt such legislation, with California also working on bidirectional charging efforts, although a similar bill was defeated in the state assembly.
V2G technology, part of the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) concept, is making progress globally, with Ford’s F150 Lightning truck being V2H and V2G compatible. Energy supplier Octopus Energy in the UK has launched a mass-market V2G tariff, offering consumers savings while balancing the grid.
The DRIVE Act is seen as a significant advancement in Maryland’s clean energy transition, aligning the state with VPP leaders like California and Texas. It aims to stabilize the grid during peak demand, enhance resiliency, and expand access to low-cost clean energy for residents. The legislation leverages clean energy technologies in homes to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and manage the impact of electrification on the grid.