Owning a GM EV could potentially earn you hundreds of utility credits down the road.
How Tennessee became America’s electric vehicle hub
How Tennessee became America’s electric vehicle hub
- USA TODAY Cars spoke with GM Energy Vice President Wade Schaeffer about GM Energy’s future plans and new technologies.
- Schaefer explained that GM Energy’s new technology is part of an entire ecosystem built around the company’s electric vehicle capabilities.
GM Energy is revolutionizing the way drivers use electric vehicles.
USA TODAY Cars spoke with GM Energy Vice President Wade Schaefer to learn more about the EV ecosystem the company is building with a variety of sustainable energy products. General Motors may not be the front runner in EV sales in the US, but its EV ecosystem is positioned to completely transform the electric vehicle ownership experience for the average driver.
What is GM Energy?
Founded in 2022, General Motors Energy provides home energy solutions (Ultium home batteries, solar panels) to help Americans capture and profit from clean energy. Thanks to solar panels and energy storage technology, customers using GM Energy’s products can power their homes, charge their electric vehicles, and low-costly store excess energy for backup power or grid use. Additionally, GM Energy is offering incentives to reduce the cost of bidirectional charging equipment in states such as California.
How GM Energy is building the EV ecosystem
When asked about the company’s vehicle-to-grid advances, GM Energy Vice President Wade Schaeffer said, “This is really the direction of the future. It really unlocks the value proposition of having a mobile power plant.” Schaefer explained that the goal is to “delivers the benefits and lower the total cost of ownership” of General Motors EVs to customers by leveraging Vehicle-to-Grid technology. The technology could eventually allow EV owners to earn hundreds of dollars in energy credits through utility programs by turning their vehicles into grid assets.
These features are not yet available nationwide, but GM Energy has already begun a limited pilot and test program in California with some utilities. GM Energy Vice President Wade Schaefer added that the company is “deeply involved in pilot programs with numerous utilities across the country.” In theory, owning a GM Energy Home System and solar panels could significantly reduce home energy and EV charging costs for drivers, while making home charging more efficient and convenient.
Energy in the AI era
On October 18, USA TODAY reported on how the use of AI is increasing America’s average energy costs. According to CNN, gas prices are rising, breaking the trend of relative affordability compared to 2024. GM Energy’s clean energy capture and transfer products look even more attractive at a time of dramatic changes in fuel and energy costs.
In a future where AI data centers consume energy at a pace this country has never seen before, the ability to capture, store, and use solar energy to power homes and vehicles instead of relying on the energy grid could be invaluable.
Should you buy a GM electric car?
General Motors produces the Chevrolet Equinox EV, one of the most popular electric vehicles on the American market. It is reasonably priced and has specs with excellent cost performance. The Equinox EV starts at $33,600 and has 220 horsepower. There are 519 miles of golf driving ranges.
GM produces several electric vehicle options across its portfolio brands. Additionally, GM’s EVs can use Tesla Superchargers with GM-approved adapters.
The Equinox EV is a true competitor to the Tesla Model Y in terms of its affordability and range. Additionally, GM EV owners have “access to more than 250,000 chargers across North America,” according to a company news release.
Tesla is one of the first American automakers to mass-produce a competitive electric vehicle nameplate and is the brand to beat in the EV space. Kelley Blue Book Q3 sales numbers show GM is keen to go after Tesla, with the Equinox EV taking the No. 2 spot as the best-selling small electric SUV of 2025 so far, ahead of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Volkswagen ID.4.
