Powered by a new relationship with Leap, a leading platform for creating and scaling virtual power plants (VPPs), Wallbox, a global supplier of energy management and EV charging solutions, announced the opening of its VPPs in California and New York. The project is a component of Wallbox Rewards, a recently introduced smart charging program that allows Wallbox users to accrue rewards for using their home EV chargers to support grid flexibility.
Using Leap’s platform, the VPPs will link to regional energy programs that support the grid and combine the energy potential of thousands of household chargers. The VPP serves as a flexible, dispatchable resource that assists utilities in managing demand peaks, balancing the unpredictability of renewable energy, and enhancing overall grid stability by strategically coordinating when chargers drain power.
After enrolling, consumers will let their chargers move charging to periods when demand for power is lower, greener, and more economical. They receive in-app charging analytics, feature enhancements, and the possibility of being eligible for Wallbox Rewards, which are performance-based financial incentives, in exchange.
This month, the program launched in California and New York, with plans to expand to other U.S. markets, including Texas, later in 2025.
“Launching our first virtual power plants in California and New York marks a major step in scaling the role of EV chargers as flexible grid assets,” stated Esteve Dolsa, General Manager North America at Wallbox. “Through our partnership with Leap, we’re connecting Wallbox chargers to energy markets in real time, turning distributed infrastructure into a reliable grid resource. Wallbox Rewards creates a seamless user experience, rewarding them for helping to support grid stability from home.”
Participants will be notified via the Wallbox app when their chargers are contributing to grid events. The more consistently chargers participate, the greater the opportunities for users to access rewards and new grid services as the program evolves.
“Virtual power plants are a critical tool for building a more reliable, affordable, and dynamic grid,” stated Christie Dodge, Head of Partner Success at Leap. “EV chargers are uniquely well-suited to serve as flexible grid resources. Through this partnership with Wallbox, we’re unlocking the potential of thousands of residential chargers to support grid stability while delivering value back to everyday drivers.”
As part of Wallbox’s larger mission to develop smart energy solutions that extend beyond EV charging, the Wallbox Rewards program helps hasten the transition to a more responsive, distributed energy ecosystem.
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