GM Energy is looking to revolutionize the way drivers use electric vehicles.
USA TODAY Cars spoke with GM Energy Vice President Wade Sheffer to learn more about the EV ecosystem that the company is creating using its variety of sustainable energy products. General Motors may not be the frontrunner in American EV sales, but its EV ecosystem is positioning the company to completely transform the electric vehicle ownership experience for average drivers.
Founded in 2022, General Motors Energy provides home energy solutions (Ultium Home batteries, solar panels) to help Americans capture and utilize clean energy to their benefit. Customers using GM Energy’s products can power their home, charge their electric vehicles, and store excess energy for backup power and grid usage for a low cost thanks to solar panels and energy storage technology. Additionally, GM Energy offers incentives in states like California to reduce the cost of bidirectional charging installations.
When asked about the company’s vehicle-to-grid advancements, Vice President of GM Energy Wade Sheffer said, “This is exactly where the future is going. Truly unlocking the value proposition for having a mobile power plant.” Sheffer explained that the intent is to have customers “earn and also lower the total cost of ownership” of General Motors EVs by using vehicle-to-grid technology. This technology could eventually enable EV owners to earn hundreds of dollars in energy credits through utility programs by turning their vehicles into grid assets.
While these capabilities aren’t available across the country yet, GM Energy has already begun limited pilot and testing programs in California with select utility companies. VP of GM Energy Wade Sheffer added that the company is “deeply involved in pilot programs with a multitude of utilities across the nation.” In theory, owning an GM Energy Home System and solar panels would allow drivers to drastically slash home energy and EV charging costs, while making home charging more efficient and convenient.
On October 18, USA TODAY reported on how AI usage is increasing average energy costs in America. Gas prices are rising, breaking a trend of relative affordability compared to 2024, according to CNN. GM Energy’s clean energy capture and transfer products seem even more attractive during a period of fuel and energy cost upheaval.
The ability to capture, store, and use solar energy to power your home and vehicle instead of relying on an energy grid could be priceless in a future where AI data centers gobble up energy at a pace the country hasn’t yet experienced.
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General Motors produces one of the most popular electric vehicles on the American market, the Chevrolet Equinox EV. It’s affordable and has great performance specs for the money. The Equinox EV starts at $33,600 and produces 220 horsepower. It has 319 miles of driving range.
GM produces several electric vehicle options across its portfolio brands. Additionally, GM EVs can use Tesla Superchargers with GM-approved adapters.
The Equinox EV is a true Tesla Model Y rival because of its affordability and driving range. Furthermore, GM EV owners “have access to over 250,000 chargers across North America,” according to a news release from the company.
Tesla is the brand to beat in the EV space, being one of the first automakers in America to mass-produce competitive electric vehicle nameplates. Kelley Blue Book Q3 sales numbers show that GM is hot on Tesla’s tail, with the Equinox EV beating out the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Volkswagen ID.4 for the second-place position of best-selling small electric SUV of 2025 thus far.

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