Australian electric vehicle owners driving MG, Audi, and XPeng models can now significantly reduce their charging expenses, with energy retailer Amber expanding its smart charging service to include these brands. The rollout, which went live on August 18, 2026, allows compatible EVs to automatically charge during periods of lowest wholesale electricity prices, potentially leading to substantial savings for consumers across the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Amber’s proprietary system, developed in conjunction with the CSIRO, leverages real-time wholesale electricity prices, which fluctuate every five minutes. This enables the service to predict and schedule charging when prices are at their lowest, often dropping to just a few cents per kilowatt-hour, or even turning negative. This capability means eligible EV owners can effectively get paid to charge their vehicles, a stark contrast to fixed-rate energy plans.
“The service uses live wholesale electricity prices, which change every five minutes, to schedule charging for the cheapest windows. Amber says wholesale prices regularly drop to a few cents per kilowatt hour overnight and in the middle of the day, and can go negative, meaning a customer gets paid to charge.”
Previously available only to Tesla owners, the expansion to MG, XPeng, and Audi models represents a significant step towards democratising access to dynamic, cost-optimised EV charging for a broader segment of the Australian market. This move is particularly timely as Australians continue to embrace electric vehicles, with battery electric vehicles accounting for 21.7% of new car sales in July 2026.
How Amber’s Smart Charging Works
The Amber for EVs service operates by integrating directly with the vehicle’s connectivity, allowing owners to manage their charging preferences through their smartphone. Users have three primary control options:
- Ready By: Owners set a target charge level (e.g., 80%) and a deadline (e.g., 7 AM). The system then intelligently schedules charging sessions backward from that deadline, prioritising the cheapest wholesale price windows while ensuring the vehicle is ready on time.
- Scheduled Charging: For those who prefer fixed routines, this option allows charging during specific time windows, regardless of the fluctuating price.
- Price-Based Charging: This advanced setting enables users to define a maximum wholesale price threshold. The EV will only charge when the electricity price falls below this set limit, maximising savings.
While the service automates charging for optimal cost, it’s important to note that Amber charges a monthly subscription fee for access to the platform, in addition to the wholesale cost of the electricity consumed. This model still offers substantial savings for high-usage EV drivers compared to standard retail electricity tariffs.
The Growing Ecosystem of Smart EV Management
This expansion by Amber highlights the increasing sophistication of energy management tools available to Australian EV owners. As the nation’s electricity grid evolves, integrating smart charging solutions is becoming crucial for both individual savings and overall grid stability. Services like Amber for EVs enable a more flexible demand response, shifting consumption away from peak periods and better utilising renewable energy generation when it is abundant and cheap. This aligns with broader efforts to make EV ownership more affordable and sustainable.
For homeowners with rooftop solar, coupling a system with smart EV charging further amplifies savings by prioritising self-consumption of generated electricity before drawing from the grid. Many Australians are exploring ways to leverage their home energy assets to reduce running costs, and smart charging is a key component of this strategy. For more insights on optimising home energy, consider resources like Best Home Energy Monitoring Systems in Australia 2026: Unlock $1,000+ Annual Savings.
Beyond Smart Charging: The V2G Future
Amber’s smart charging service is distinct from its vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trial, which involves bidirectional chargers allowing EVs to export stored energy back to the home or grid. The V2G trial is currently limited to the BYD Atto 3, with Amber targeting a commercial V2G rollout in 2026 and a waitlist of nearly 4,000 people. The recent partnership between Kaluza and Hyundai Motor Group, announced on August 20, 2026, also aims to lay the groundwork for V2G services in Australia from 2027, signalling a broader industry trend towards more interactive EV-grid integration.
As the number of EVs on Australian roads continues to grow, smart charging solutions like Amber’s will play an increasingly vital role in managing demand, optimising costs, and supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Understanding the real cost of owning an EV in Australia, including charging, is crucial for prospective buyers. Real Cost of Owning an EV in Australia 2026: Save Thousands Annually.
| Feature | Amber for EVs (Smart Charging) | Amber V2G Trial (Bidirectional) |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Optimises one-way charging based on wholesale prices | Allows energy export to grid/home (bidirectional) |
| Current Support | Tesla, MG, XPeng, Audi | BYD Atto 3 (trial only) |
| Availability | Live since August 18, 2026 | Trial, commercial rollout targeted 2026 |
| Goal | Reduce charging costs | Reduce costs, support grid stability |