Ford MotorWe will cooperate with Pacific Gas and Electric Co.California, to test the bidirectional charging capability of F-150 Lightning electric motor to charge homes and provide energy back to the grid.

Ford CEO Jim Farley and PG&E CEO Patti Poppe announced the plans Thursday night at the CERAWeek energy conference in Texas.

Bidirectional charging refers to an EV’s ability to recharge the grid or a home with energy. The EVs have the ability to charge overnight at lower rates, and could also supply energy to the grid in peak hours. This would enable customers to reduce their electric bill while putting less strain on grid.

Poppe made the announcement two days ago when he announced that Poppe would be starting a pilot program. General MotorsIt will make the electric vehicles of its fleet capable of running a home in an emergency. power outage or grid failure.

Ford’s announcement is different from GM’s, because it’s “the first-to-market capability of a Ford F-150 Lightning EV & bidirectional charging system,” a spokeswoman for Ford said.

The F-150 Lightning – due out this spring – already has the capability to power a home in the event of a power outage, according to the company. Ford refers to it as “Intelligent Backup Power”.

Through the early adopter program, PG&E says it will explore how Ford’s technology interconnects to the electric grid and customer’s homes.

F-150 Lightning is set to be used for its backup power in spring 2022. This support will come from Sunrun Inc.As the preferred partner for automaker installation.