Accelerating vehicle-to-grid tech in Australia

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is funding a new project aimed at speeding up the adoption of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.

V2G turns electric vehicles into ‘batteries on wheels’ — an efficient way to store energy that can then be used as a power source when needed. Project partner Amber Electric has just kicked off the initiative by installing the first of 50 V2G-capable chargers in a residential setting.

The $7.7 million project, with $3.2 million in ARENA funding, is the first of its kind to deploy V2G technology in Australian homes at this scale, ARENA said. The initiative combines smart charging, rooftop solar and home batteries with Amber’s wholesale electricity cost pass-through model, allowing customers to optimise energy use and savings.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project marked a landmark moment for Australia’s energy system. “Vehicle-to-grid technology has the potential to transform how we think about and deploy energy storage and grid support,” he said.

“By enabling Australians to participate in the energy market through their EVs, we’re unlocking new value streams and building a more resilient, renewable-powered future.”

Amber Electric Co-CEO Chris Thompson said the project showed what V2G technology will look like for everyday Australians.

“With millions of EVs expected on our roads in just a few years, we have an unprecedented opportunity to turn those batteries on wheels into a viable solution for grid stability and renewable energy storage,” Thompson said.

“Through Amber, homeowners maintain complete control while having the potential to make significant savings. When households participate in the energy transition, they should benefit directly — and that’s exactly what this technology delivers.”

With the first charger now installed in New South Wales, Amber Electric is looking for a representative selection of Australian residences to participate in the nationwide trial. Those interested can sign up here.

ARENA has been a strong proponent of V2G in Australia, with the Amber Electric initiative the latest in a series of studies and projects funded by the organisation since 2019. The 2025 National Roadmap for Bidirectional EV Charging, commissioned by ARENA and the RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre, sets out the highest-priority government and industry actions required to commercialise V2G in Australia by 2030.

Unlocking V2G is a core focus under the federal government’s Driving the Nation Program. Those interested in applying for the program can visit the funding page and read the latest Program Guidelines.

Image credit: iStock.com/piranka