DETROIT, MI—General Motors announced today that its GM Energy unit is offering electric vehicle (EV) owners a home storage solution to capture and transfer solar energy, as part of its broader strategy to attract potential EV buyers. 

The U.S.'s largest automaker introduced the GM Energy PowerBank, available in two battery capacity options—10.6 kilowatt-hours and 17.7 kWh—and will expand access to its energy management products nationwide. This stationary storage system can provide backup power during outages or help reduce electricity costs during peak usage times.

Wade Sheffer, GM Energy's vice president, highlighted that the PowerBank "gives our customers more control over their energy use, helping to mitigate the impact of power outages, integrate renewable energy options, and unlock additional value." The system allows users to store and utilize captured solar energy even without an EV present, with two units capable of powering an average U.S. home for up to 20 hours.

Energy storage solutions are part of automakers' efforts to encourage hesitant consumers to consider EVs. 

GM noted the increasing unreliability of the energy grid and its impact on households. GM's main competitor, Tesla, has had significant success with its own energy storage products, such as the Powerwall for home backup power and the Megapack for large-scale commercial use. Despite this, Tesla's energy storage and generation only accounted for 6% of its 2023 revenue, though Morgan Stanley recently raised its valuation of Tesla’s storage business.