The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has launched a statewide vehicle-to-everything (V2X) program and a comprehensive climatetech economic development strategy, positioning the state as a leader in clean energy innovation.
MassCEC has partnered with clean energy solutions provider Resource Innovations (RI) and vehicle-grid integration (VGI) specialist The Mobility House (TMH) to lead the first-of-its-kind V2X initiative.
The V2X pilot program will deploy 100 bidirectional chargers to residential, school bus, municipal, and commercial fleet participants, establishing an estimated 1.5MW of new storage capacity across the state. The program will transform electric vehicles (EVs) into mobile storage units and provide equitable access to clean energy solutions by prioritizing low-income and underserved communities.
This innovative program also aims to improve grid resilience, increase the transition to renewable energy, and install bidirectional charging stations at no cost.
Rachel Ackerman, Senior Director of Clean Transportation at MassCEC, highlighted, “V2X technology is key to leveraging EVs as assets to the grid, both as a financial resource and improved reliability.”
EVs as Backup Power Units
Ackerman noted that barriers can be swiftly identified and resolved through a targeted deployment of bidirectional chargers. She added, “MassCEC’s V2X program is a crucial step in Massachusett’s efforts to enable wide-scale adoption of EVs.”
Bidirectional chargers with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and backup power functions will benefit EV owners and fleet operators across Massachusetts. Other program partners, including Voltrek and B2Q, will facilitate local engineering, site design, and construction for charger installation.
Kelly Helfrich, Vice President for Transportation Electrification Practice at Resource Innovations, emphasized, “With the charging infrastructure provided through this program, we’re eliminating financial barriers and enabling school districts, homeowners, and fleets to access reliable backup power. By documenting our processes, we aim to create a scalable blueprint for V2X programs worldwide.”
Thomas Raffeiner, The Mobility House’s CEO, noted the program’s potential to activate EVs as energy storage assets, stating, “Bidirectional charging benefits vehicle owners by providing backup power and revenue opportunities, while strengthening the grid for the entire community.”
Implementing Climatetech Strategy
In addition to the V2X pilot program, MassCEC also launched its Climatech Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Program, reinforcing the state’s status as a leader in climatetech innovation.
Supporting the initiative, Governor Maura Healey, stated, “Our economic development bill provides historic funding to make Massachusetts the world’s climate innovation lab. MassCEC’s climatetech economic development plan is our roadmap to achieve this goal by investing in cutting-edge technologies, tapping into regional strengths, and attracting world-class talent.”
By leveraging diverse strengths, the plan will establish a cohesive ecosystem that drives growth and collaboration. These initiatives represent a significant step toward promoting sustainable growth and advancing the state’s net-zero climate goals.