Driving the Energy Transition: EV-Home Integration

Executive Summary

The energy transition is entering a new phase - one defined not just by clean generation, but by flexible, customer-owned energy assets. As electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction, their role as mobile batteries is no longer theoretical. In a pioneering partnership, Ford and Sunrun have introduced a model where the Ford F-150 Lightning serves as both a vehicle and a home backup power system, ushering in a future where homes, vehicles, and grids are deeply interconnected.

This report explores:

• The rise of EV-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities.

• The architectural and commercial structure of the Ford–Sunrun partnership.

• Strategic implications for OEMs, utilities, and clean energy developers.

• Key insights from advisory work with multiple global automotive manufacturers exploring distributed energy models.

  
  

1. Market Context: The Convergence of Mobility and Energy

The Rise of Bidirectional EVs

By 2030, over 40% of vehicles sold in the U.S. are projected to be electric. With battery capacities ranging from 60–120 kWh, EVs store more energy than many household batteries (e.g., Tesla Powerwall: 13.5 kWh). When paired with bidirectional charging technology, EVs can:

• Power homes during outages (V2H)

• Export power to the grid (V2G)

• Participate in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and Demand Response (DR) programs

This marks a turning point - EVs are now a part of the energy system, not just transportation.

2. Inside the Ford–Sunrun Partnership

Overview

The Ford–Sunrun partnership transforms the F-150 Lightning into a grid-interactive energy asset. Sunrun, the largest residential solar installer in the U.S., provides:

• Installation of the Ford Charge Station Pro (bidirectional Level 2 charger)

• Home Integration System to isolate home circuits from the grid during outages

• Optional integration with solar and battery storage

This bundled solution allows customers to use their truck as backup power and opens future participation in grid programs.

Why It Works

• Ford retains focus on vehicle manufacturing.

• Sunrun manages the energy ecosystem, installation, and permitting.

• Customers receive a simple, unified offering via the Ford dealership network.

This model resolves a critical challenge: most auto dealers are not equipped to handle electrical permitting, grid interconnection, or energy analytics. By outsourcing to Sunrun, Ford provides an energy-as-a-service bundle without overextending its dealer base.

3. The Evolving Role of Dealers, OEMs, and Customers

Dealer Role

Traditionally, auto dealers sell hardware. The Ford–Sunrun model is reshaping that:

• Dealers introduce the home energy integration option at point-of-sale.

• Customers are referred to Sunrun for consultation and installation.

• Dealers are incentivized per referral, not required to provide technical expertise.

Based on strategy engagements with multiple global OEMs, it’s clear that energy literacy among dealers is low - creating friction for V2H/V2G adoption. This model solves the issue by cleanly separating sales and service domains.

OEM Role

OEMs must:

• Enable bidirectional charging at the vehicle level.

• Provide open APIs for aggregators (Sunrun, EnergyHub, etc.).

• Avoid overextending into grid operations - instead, partner with domain experts.

  
  

Customer Role

Consumers are now:

• Prosumers: both energy consumers and producers.

• Driven by resilience, cost savings, and environmental impact.

• Motivated by simplicity and financing - bundling car loans with energy systems will be key.

4. Technology Stack: How It Works

The Ford–Sunrun solution includes:

Component	Function
Ford F-150 Lightning	Mobile battery (98 kWh) with bidirectional capabilities
Charge Station Pro	EV charger that enables both input and output
Sunrun Home Integration System	Auto-islands home during grid outages
Optional Solar Panels	Generates clean power to charge EV or run home
Battery Storage (e.g., LG Chem RESU, Tesla Powerwall)	Adds another backup layer; optimizes load shifting

 A typical U.S. home uses ~30 kWh/day. The F-150 Lightning can power it for 3+ days.

5. Economics, Incentives, and Grid Programs

Financial Snapshot

Metric	Value
EV Battery Capacity	~98 kWh
Avg. Home Energy Use	~30 kWh/day
Estimated Backup Duration	3 days
Ford–Sunrun Integration Cost	$5,000–$10,000 (before incentives)
DR/VPP Payback Period	3–5 years in pilot markets

Available Incentives

• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): Covers 30% of solar, battery, and EV charging installations.

• Utility VPP Programs: California, New York, and Massachusetts offer incentives for dispatchable batteries and V2H setups.

• FERC Order 2222: Mandates utility participation in DER aggregation - a big win for V2G economics.

6. Strategic Implications for the Industry

For OEMs

• Avoid grid complexity - partner with aggregators and solar providers.

• Invest in energy apps, APIs, and over-the-air updates for grid participation.

• Bundle energy and mobility in financing packages.

  
  

For Utilities

• Incorporate EVs into demand response portfolios.

• Offer time-of-use (TOU) and export credits for V2H/V2G systems.

• Treat EVs as both load and supply - and plan grid upgrades accordingly.

  
  

For Policymakers

• Standardize V2H/V2G interconnection rules.

• Expand ITC eligibility to bidirectional chargers.

• Promote consumer education on backup power and energy economics.

  
  

7. Lessons from OEM Strategy Work

In advisory sessions OEM of Battery and chargers across North America and Asia, we identified key themes:

• OEMs want to own the customer energy relationship but avoid grid complexity.

• Dealerships are not yet equipped to handle energy consultations or infrastructure.

• The success of energy-integrated EVs hinges on turnkey partnerships that manage permitting, installation, interconnection, and customer service.

The Ford–Sunrun model demonstrates a replicable way to accelerate deployment while respecting the traditional automotive sales channel.

8. Vision: The EV-Grid Symbiosis

We're witnessing the emergence of a vehicle-centric grid. In this vision:

• EVs are dispatchable batteries, coordinated through VPPs.

• Homes are resilient microgrids, powered by solar, storage, and wheels.

• OEMs, utilities, and aggregators collaborate to unlock grid flexibility at scale.

The Ford–Sunrun partnership is a living case study - one that deserves replication across geographies and vehicle platforms.

Conclusion

The EV-to-Home model is more than a product - it’s a blueprint for the future. As energy becomes more decentralized, distributed, and decarbonized, partnerships that span industries - auto, energy, software - will define success.

This is not just about backup power. It’s about unlocking a new energy economy, powered by the vehicles in our driveways.

Interested in a deep dive on shaping a successful EV, V2H, or V2G partnership strategy? Let’s talk—email me at sanjay.bhatia@quantiedge.com