The new business unit, GM Energy, will offer a home energy system with batteries for electric vehicles, solar panels and home energy storage, and is planning to offer software to help customers manage energy consumption and to work with utility companies Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Con Edison and New Hampshire Electric Cooperative. The automaker said it plans to expand the U.S. business into Canada and other markets. (The Logic)

Talking point: The dramatic decline in battery costs in recent years made EVs more popular, but large batteries also have the potential to store energy for power grids. Tesla has already translated its battery technology for home power with its Powerwall and Megapack products, which support California’s grid during emergencies (and also sparked a fire this summer). Amid concerns that electricity grids will not be prepared to support EV charging, companies like GM and Tesla are looking to reassure consumers that they can bolster grid reliability and that EVs can even feed power back into the grid.