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 take energy stored in their batteries and put it back on the grid. The idea behind this bill is to address the strain on California's electricity grid, which is expected to worsen as the state transitions to battery-powered electric vehicles by 2035.

The bill's sponsor, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, sees EVs as "energy storage on wheels" and believes that utilizing their batteries to supply power to the grid is a practical solution. By requiring bidirectional charging, California can access a significant reserve of dispatchable electricity that can help ensure continuous electrical service. Some EVs already have bidirectional charging systems, and a 60 kWh EV battery can provide backup power to the average US household for two to three days.

The bill has passed the Senate and three committees in the State Assembly, and if it passes the Assembly, it is likely to be signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The mandate could potentially be extended to other vehicles at the discretion of the California Air Resources Board without the need for a new law. This means that tractors, buses, and trucks could also be required to supply power to the grid.

However, there are concerns about the impact of bidirectional charging on personal mobility. If EV owners are required to return electricity to the grid during shortages, they may not have enough power to get to work, school, or other destinations. Additionally, the bill raises questions about the ownership of electric power in vehicles. Car owners could be forced to give their power to the state upon demand, potentially leaving them without power when they need it most.

While the goal of reducing carbon emissions and combating global warming is important, critics argue that mandating EVs in California will not significantly reduce emissions on a global scale. Countries like China, India, and Russia, which have higher emissions, show no signs of lowering their emissions. Furthermore, the production of EV batteries requires resources and can contribute to carbon emissions, as seen in China's increased construction of coal-fired power plants.

Opponents of the bill argue that it would result in Americans sacrificing their cars, paying more for transportation, and giving up personal mobility without significant environmental benefits. They believe that addressing emissions should involve global cooperation and that California's approach may not yield substantial results.

FutureCar Staff