Australian electric vehicle (EV) owners are a significant step closer to transforming their cars into active participants in the energy grid, with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announcing an additional AUD$13.6 million in funding for Amber Electric’s pioneering vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trial. This substantial boost, announced on May 29 and 31, 2026, expands the country’s largest residential V2G program from 50 to 1,000 households, aiming to unlock thousands of dollars in annual savings and bolster national grid stability.
The expanded trial will also see Amber’s smart charging program grow from 950 to 2,000 households, enabling participants to automatically charge their EVs when wholesale electricity prices are lowest and renewable generation is abundant. This strategic initiative, which brings total government funding for the project to AUD$16.8 million, is designed to generate crucial insights into customer behaviour, technology performance, and market integration, paving the way for wider V2G adoption across Australia.
How V2G Could Cut Your Bills
Vehicle-to-grid technology allows EV owners to export stored electricity from their car’s battery back to their home or the broader grid during periods of high demand, effectively turning their vehicle into a mobile battery storage unit. This not only offers a powerful new revenue stream for EV owners but also provides a flexible resource to support Australia’s increasingly renewable-reliant energy system.
Early results from the Amber trial have already demonstrated significant financial benefits. Over a 30-day period ending May 5, the initial 25 active trial vehicles saw 3,694 kWh discharged, with each participant earning an average of AUD$10.55 in value from V2X activity. This figure includes the equivalent of 2,050 km of free driving. One Amber customer reportedly saved AUD$500 in a single afternoon by leveraging V2G capabilities.
“This is about giving local families more choice, lower running costs, and a stronger, cleaner energy system.” — The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
Federal Energy and Climate Minister Chris Bowen highlighted that consumers would ultimately drive the demand for V2G. “If you’re deciding what EV to buy, and you’ve got one that will allow you to do vehicle to grid or smart charging, and another won’t, well, that’ll impact your decision as consumer,” he stated.
Overcoming Barriers to V2G Deployment
The path to widespread V2G implementation in Australia has faced several hurdles, primarily concerning automaker confidence, warranty implications, and regulatory certainty. ARENA CEO Darren Miller noted that unlocking V2G at scale requires collaboration between customers, car manufacturers, network operators, and technology providers. A key aspect is providing manufacturers with the assurance that their vehicles will perform as expected, with validated approaches to battery use and warranties.
In a significant development, Chinese multinational manufacturing company BYD confirmed in 2025 it would warrant participating customers’ EVs under the trial, removing a critical commercial barrier. The trial primarily focuses on vehicles using the CCS2 plug standard, which is prevalent in the Australian EV market.
Amber Electric is targeting a commercial V2G product launch in 2026, indicating the rapid progression of this technology from trial to market availability.
The Broader V2G Landscape in Australia
The Amber trial is not an isolated effort. Other energy providers are also exploring the potential of bidirectional charging:
| Program | Participants | Key Partners | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amber Electric V2G | 1,000 households (V2G), 2,000 households (smart charging) | ARENA, BYD, StarCharge | Expanded May 2026, commercial launch targeted 2026 |
| AGL V2G Trial | 100 participants | Hyundai, Kia, BYD, Zeekr | Network-wide commercial offering planned for 2026 |
| Origin Energy V2G Trial | 50 customers | BYD Atto 3, StarCharge Halo | Combines EV with V2G charger and free-charging tariff |
These initiatives underscore a growing recognition of EVs as more than just transport; they are becoming crucial assets for home energy management and grid stability. For those looking to maximise the benefits of their EV, understanding smart charging and V2G capabilities is becoming increasingly important. You can learn more about optimising your charging to save money in our guide: Optimise EV Charging with Solar in 2026: Slash Bills by $1,500+ Annually. Furthermore, for a deeper dive into how V2G integrates with broader energy systems, our ranking of Unlock $1,000+ Annually: Best Home Battery VPP Programs in Australia 2026 Ranked provides valuable context.
As Australia’s EV fleet continues to grow rapidly—with 16.4 per cent of all new car sales in April 2026 being electric—the integration of these vehicles into the energy network will be vital for a stable and cost-effective energy future.
Smart Charging and Future Savings
Beyond V2G, smart charging itself offers significant savings. By automatically charging during off-peak periods or when solar generation is high, EV owners can drastically reduce their running costs. This functionality is a core component of Amber’s expanded program. For detailed strategies on minimising your charging expenditure, refer to our guide: Slash Your EV Home Charging Costs by 70% in Australia 2026: A Smart Guide.
The federal government continues to support the EV transition through various measures, including the Electric Car Discount and efforts to establish V2G standards and build a national charging network. These policies aim to make cleaner, cheaper cars more accessible and integrate them seamlessly into Australia’s energy infrastructure.