California's Auto Power Theft Prevention

author: FutureCar Staff    

California lawmakers are considering a bill that would require "bidirectional charging" in all light-duty vehicles and school buses sold in the state starting in 2030. This technology allows electric vehicles (EVs) to use their batteries to store and supply power to the grid. The bill's sponsor, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, believes that EVs can serve as a significant reserve of dispatchable electricity, ensuring continuous electrical service for California.

While California already mandates that all new vehicles sold in the state be electric by 2035, some are concerned that this will strain the electricity grid, which already suffers from blackouts and power shortages. However, state senators see bidirectional charging as a solution to this problem. By allowing EVs to recharge from the grid and discharge power back to it, they believe that the state's power issues can be addressed.

Skinner's bill has already passed the Senate and three committees in the State Assembly. If it passes the Assembly, it is likely to be signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has praised bidirectional charging technology as a "game changer" and the future of energy.

Under the bill, the California Air Resources Board would have the authority to extend the bidirectional charging mandate to other vehicles without passing a new law. This means that tractors, buses, and trucks could also be required to supply power to the grid.

While some vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford F-150 Lightning, already have bidirectional charging systems, the bill would make it a requirement for all new light-duty vehicles and school buses sold in California.

However, there are concerns about the implications of bidirectional charging. Some worry that if EV owners are required to supply power to the grid during shortages, they may not have enough energy left for their own transportation needs. Additionally, the bill could potentially allow the state to demand the electricity stored in EV batteries, leaving car owners without the ability to use their vehicles.

The main goal of mandating EVs and bidirectional charging is to reduce California's carbon emissions and combat global warming. However, critics argue that emissions will not significantly decrease until major polluters like China, India, and Russia lower their emissions. They also point out that China's increasing construction of coal-fired power plants for battery production is contributing to carbon emissions.

Opponents of the bill argue that it would be a "power theft" from American car owners, who would be sacrificing their personal mobility and paying more for transportation without significant environmental benefits. They believe that efforts should be focused on pressuring other countries to reduce their emissions rather than imposing burdensome regulations on Californians.

As the bill continues to progress, its implications for the future of transportation and the environment in California remain to be seen.

FutureCar Staff