Tesla launches the first V2G program for the Cybertruck in Texas

Tesla has just taken an important step forward in integrating its electric vehicles with the power grid with the launch of its first V2G Vehicle-To-Grid program in the United States. This new program, called Powershare Grid Support, is for the time being only available in selected areas of the state of Texas and allows owners of a Cybertruck to send the energy stored in the battery pack of their electric pickup back to the grid at times of high demand, in exchange for credits on their electricity bill.

With 123 kWh, the Cybertruck’s battery pack has a capacity equivalent to roughly nine Tesla Powerwalls. Its huge storage capacity and the large number of owners in regions such as Texas give this electric pickup, in aggregate, the ability to stabilise the grid at specific moments, when that is otherwise difficult to achieve.

The announcement about the availability of this new V2G program for the Cybertruck was made public by Tesla Energy, thus fulfilling a promise made quite some time ago. To take part in this program, Cybertruck owners must live in an area covered by CenterPoint Energy – mainly in Houston – or Oncor – in the Dallas area. It is also necessary to have the required hardware, a PowerShare Gateway and a Universal Wall Connector.

I want to take part. How do I do it?

All Cybertruck owners who meet all the requirements mentioned in the previous paragraph and wish to take part in the program must then sign up for the Tesla Electric Drive plan and activate the PowerShare Grid Support option in the Tesla mobile app.

From that moment on, whenever the grid is under strain from high demand, the Cybertruck will automatically discharge the surplus energy to the grid, provided it is connected to the installation made in the garage. It is important to note that users retain control at all times over the energy sent to the grid, with the option to set discharge limits to keep enough battery for driving or for household use.

For now, the program is operating in an exclusive invitation-only phase for the first Cybertruck owners who sign up, with plans to expand after the initial tests. Tesla has assured that participation in this program will not affect the Cybertruck’s warranty when it is used through its electricity plan.

Why Texas and not somewhere else?

The choice of Texas is no coincidence, as the ERCOT grid, independent of the rest of the country, is known for its instability, with critical episodes during extreme heatwaves or winter storms. Tesla Energy already has a strong presence in the state through virtual power plants and in 2024 paid almost 10 million dollars to Powerwall owners for their contribution to the grid. Incorporating the Cybertruck, with its enormous energy storage capacity, represents a further step forward for the company in this same direction.

If this programme ultimately proves to be a success in Texas, it will likely extend afterwards to California, to areas served by PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, where this technology could also prove very useful.