10/19/2026
Thinking about buying your first EV in Austin? It can do more than get you across town, like keep your lights on during an outage or help you earn local bill credits.
With a compatible Level 2 home charger, advanced systems allow bidirectional power flow: charging your vehicle overnight when demand is lowest, and using battery power to backup your home during local power blackouts.
In Central Texas, pairing a home charger with programs like Austin Energyβs Power Partner EV also lets you earn rewards for smart charging. Qualifying setups can receive up to 50% back on equipment and installation costs (up to $1,200), plus a $50 bill credit upon enrollment.
Several popular EVs already offer bidirectional capability, including the Ford F-150 Lightning, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV9, and Nissan LEAF.
Are you planning to install a Level 2 charger at home when you buy, or relying on public stations first? Drop your questions below or send us a message. We're here to help you navigate your home electrical setup.