dcbel is bringing its vehicle-to-everything charger to Massachusetts

Massachusetts homeowners with certain electric vehicles have a new option for free bidirectional charging equipment. Charging company dcbel is joining a pilot program run by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) that lets eligible homeowners get a dcbel Ara Home Energy Station installed at no cost. The device lets you send power back and forth between your car battery and your house, not just charge the car. In exchange, you agree to share charging data with the state through the end of 2027.

To qualify, you need to own or lease a Nissan Leaf (2018-2025), a 2025 Polestar 3, or a 2025 Volvo EX90, and you cannot already have solar panels or a battery installed. That restriction exists because current state law does not let homes with this kind of car-to-home system also collect net metering payments for solar. Two other automaker-linked options were already part of the program: Wallbox hardware for the Kia EV9 (2024-26), and a Sunrun-Ford setup for the F-150 Lightning (2022-25).

Participants can also join related utility programs (ConnectedSolutions, Connected Homes, and Clean Peak), which pay homeowners for letting the utility control the charger at certain times. dcbel says its system could save participants up to $1,300 a year through these programs, though actual savings will depend on enrollment and usage.

The pilot is funded through $6.3 million from a larger $50 million pot of federal money Massachusetts received for EV charging projects. Applications are open through September 2026 or until funding runs out, and the state plans to install up to 60 residential units total.