No More Bidirectional Charging for EVs in California? State Assembly Shut Down Bill’s Efforts

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 13 September 2023, 08:09 pm

The California Bill from Senator Nancy Skinner was recently defeated in the State Assembly, and this is the one that aims to require all electric vehicles in the state to feature bidirectional charging. Despite this, Senator Skinner is still optimistic about bringing this feature for all, for the public to enjoy and benefit from this technology that gives back to those in need.

Bidirectional charging has been making its mark in the electric vehicle industry, as more companies are adding this feature that is mostly marketed for emergencies.

No More Bidirectional Charging Requirement for EVs?

(Photo : DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images)

The California Bill known as SB-233, introduced by Senator Nancy Skinner earlier this January has seen a significant roadblock to their plans of requiring all EVs to feature bidirectional charging.

CNET reported that the bill saw a sweeping approval by the Senate with a 29-9 vote, but did not fly in a state assembly, with the committee leaving a requirement to study it further. The report also said that Senator Skinner claimed she had decided not to move forward with this.

While the bill is already killed off and its sponsor no longer continuing, the hope is not yet lost for those who are looking forward to this and what it will bring soon. Sen. Skinner said that her office would be looking "for a new path forward to ensure that all California EV owners can benefit from an EV's potential to be a mini power plant on wheels."

California Bill Shut Down in State Assembly

The State Assembly committee wants to look more into what bidirectional charging requirements would pose in the market, but its decision has led to SB-233 getting shut down.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation also penned a letter to the affairs director, mentioning their doubts on bidirectional charging and the other factors that would affect its operations in the future.

What is bidirectional charging for EVs?

Bidirectional charging is an iconic feature of a few electric vehicles now as it helps deliver power to other electronic devices hooked directly to the car. Think of it as a portable power generator, but has wheels and can take you to places.

One of the most iconic companies to first introduce this feature is Ford with its F-150 Lightning, with the electric pickup acting like a "power bank," and has previously partnered with Lenz to deliver this feature.

Nissan has also committed itself to present bidirectional charging with one of its most renowned EVs, the LEAF, also having the capability to power homes.

The latest joiner of this trend is General Motors, with the renowned automotive manufacturer recently announcing its plans to bring vehicle-to-home charging (V2H) or bidirectional charging to its Ultium EVs by 2026.

The California Bill, should it be passed in the future as a law, is looking to require all EVs in the state to feature bidirectional charging to also help power homes and other needs. However, it did not fly in the State Assembly as of now, but Senator Skinner is not yet backing down and is still looking to deliver this in the future.