UPDATE: Electric cars could soon revolutionize power pricing, with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology set to be widely adopted by 2026. This breakthrough promises not only lower energy bills but also potential income for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Dan Adams, co-chief executive of Amber Electric, expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s exciting to now be at a moment that it is here and it’s going to be widely available soon.”
V2G technology connects electric vehicles to the electricity grid, allowing them to act as powerful batteries. Two significant energy retailers, Origin Energy and AGL, have recently announced trials to kick off in 2026, aiming to explore how EVs can feed energy back into homes and the grid. This development follows Amber Electric’s ongoing pilot program, which will soon expand to another 50 homes.
The trials will involve bi-directional chargers, enabling EV owners to charge their vehicles and sell excess energy back to the grid. Origin Energy’s trial will focus on BYD Atto 3 SUVs and will select 50 customers for its testing phase. Meanwhile, AGL’s trial will also recruit 100 participants, offering discounted chargers to enhance participation.
Experts believe that overcoming barriers such as battery warranty concerns and compatibility will be crucial for V2G adoption. Tim Washington, chief executive of Jet Charge, emphasized that the energy draw from V2G is minimal compared to regular driving. “It’s a very gentle draw,” he noted, alleviating fears of battery degradation.
The release of Australian bi-directional charger standards in late 2024 is expected to improve compatibility among EVs. Currently, vehicles from manufacturers like Nissan, Renault, Kia, Ford, Audi, Volkswagen, and Polestar are ready for V2G. Notably, major players like Tesla have yet to announce their support, but this could shift quickly if trials prove successful.
“Almost every EV on the road today is actually technically capable of vehicle-to-grid,”
Adams revealed, highlighting the untapped potential in the market. He further stated that participating homeowners could earn between $2,000 and $3,000 annually by selling electricity back to the grid during peak demand periods.
The impact of V2G technology goes beyond mere savings. Alina Dini, head of energy and infrastructure at the Electric Vehicle Council, explained that the commercial offerings from trials could play a significant role in consumer adoption. Some trials will incentivize EV drivers with free charging or bill credits, while others will allow them to profit from energy sales.
“The fact that the hardware works today makes it a much more near-term opportunity than most previously understood,” Adams added, underscoring the urgency for consumers and manufacturers alike.
As the push for V2G technology gains momentum, it could reshape the landscape of energy consumption and vehicle ownership. With the potential to turn cars into household batteries, this innovation may become a deciding factor for consumers when choosing between an EV and a traditional home battery system.
Stay tuned for more updates as these trials unfold and shape the future of electric vehicles and energy prices.
