Backup Power Capabilities

Pilot Objective

To conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to study technologies that enable the use of an electric vehicle’s bi-directional capabilities, such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, to evaluate their readiness for adoption.

Participant Characteristics

Target Participation for FA 2
  • National stakeholder IDIs – 10

National Web Panel Survey  
  • Target residential customers completes – 450
  • Target C&I customer completes – 125

Qualitative IDIs in ComEd territory
  • Target residential customers completes – 48
  • Target C&I customer completes – 10

Quantitative online web survey ComEd customers
  • Target residential customers completes – 1300
  • Target C&I customer completes – 400

Pilot Status

The pilot is structured around three focus areas. Status updates for each focus area are provided below:
  • Environmental and Social Impact Study: Foundational planning and study design are complete. The midpoint technical review has been initially drafted. The goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation are all progressing concurrently to make up for time spent in early research phases. For more information about the environmental and health benefits of bidirectional charging, please view the Fact Sheet.
  • Market Analysis and Consumer Behavior Study: Programs for market analysis have been identified and analysis work is underway. The team is developing insights into consumer behavior, technology perceptions, and adoption readiness through qualitative and quantitative research gathered via survey and focus groups.
  • Technical Study: Work is progressing to make up for a delayed start. A test plan and procedures for the hardware assessment have been established and data requirements have been defined and formally submitted to ComEd. Hardware assessment activities are moving forward in alignment with the study’s technical objectives.

Expected Outcomes

This pilot aims to quantify the environmental and social impacts of using V2X technology, the market readiness of implementing the technology, and the technical feasibility and cyber security measures of the technology.

Schedule

BE PilotLead VendorIntent to BidRFP IssuedProposals DueAward DatePilot In-Field Start DatePilot In-Field End Date
Backup Power Capabilities—Market Analysis and Consumer BehaviorEscalentJanuary 2025December 2024January 2025February 2025May 2025December 2025
Backup Power Capabilities—Environmental and Social Impact StudyWalker MillerJanuary 2025December 2024January 2025February 2025May 2025December 2025
Backup Power Capabilities—Technical StudyArgonne National LaboratoryJanuary 2025December 2024January 2025August 2025August 2025December 2025
RFP Bidding Process
Download Pilot Plan
Read the RFI