General Motors (GM) has officially launched its new PowerBank home battery unit, a significant addition to its residential energy management product lineup. This innovative battery allows homeowners to harness energy during off-peak hours from the grid or solar panel systems, providing power when energy prices surge or during outages—without needing to connect an electric vehicle (EV) in the garage.
Launched in 2022, GM Energy aims to carve out a space in the competitive home energy market, going head-to-head with established products like Tesla’s Powerwall and emerging contenders such as EcoFlow and Anker. As severe weather increasingly disrupts power grids, backup energy solutions are in high demand to keep essential appliances, like freezers and medical devices, operational. Recent hurricanes Milton and Helene have left over 3 million American households without power, highlighting the need for reliable home energy solutions.
The PowerBank system is priced at $12,700 and includes a charger, inverter, home hub computer, and the PowerBank itself. GM offers two sizes: a 10.6 kWh model and a larger 17.7 kWh version. By combining two of the larger units, homeowners can achieve a robust 35.4 kWh stack capable of powering an average American home for up to 20 hours.
A standout feature of GM’s home energy system is the bidirectional EV “PowerShift” charger, which enables certain GM electric vehicles, including the Chevy Silverado EV, to power the home directly.
GM Energy is now operational in all 50 states, and prospective customers can connect with specialists via the GM Energy Live page for an immersive digital experience to learn more about these energy solutions. While GM does not provide solar energy installations directly, they recommend partnering with Qmerit, their preferred installer, to facilitate those setups.
With the PowerBank, GM not only offers a solution for energy independence but also addresses the increasing demand for reliable power sources in a world facing unpredictable climate challenges.
