Australian electric vehicle (EV) owners are a significant step closer to using their cars as mobile home batteries, with Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) completing the nation’s first Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) discharge using the advanced ISO 15118-20 communication standard. This technical breakthrough, achieved on June 19, 2026, paves the way for a confirmed V2G rollout for select Hyundai and Kia EV models in Australia during the third quarter of this year.

The successful test, utilising a Hyundai IONIQ 9 paired with a StarCharge Halo 7.4kW bidirectional DC charger, demonstrates the maturity of V2G technology for the Australian market. This means that compatible EVs will soon be able to not only draw power from the grid but also feed stored electricity back into a home or the wider electricity network, offering significant benefits for energy management and cost savings for households.

“Electric cars can do far more than just drive. They can power homes and support the grid,” said Don Romano, CEO of Hyundai Motor Company Australia. “This first V2G discharge using ISO 15118-20 with the IONIQ 9 demonstrates that we are delivering real innovation, not just talking about it.”

The Significance of ISO 15118-20 for Australian EVs

The ISO 15118-20 standard is the second-generation international protocol for bidirectional power transfer between EVs and charging infrastructure. Its implementation is crucial for ensuring secure, interoperable communication, which is essential for the widespread adoption of V2G, Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) applications. Previous V2G trials in Australia often relied on older standards like CHAdeMO or proprietary systems, which limited cross-compatibility and broader deployment.

The StarCharge Halo 7.4kW bidirectional DC charger, a key component in Hyundai’s milestone test, received Clean Energy Council (CEC) approval in March 2026 and complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 4777.2 requirements for grid connection. This residential and light commercial unit is available for approximately AUD$5,990 including GST, excluding installation costs.

Real-World Savings from Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)

While the V2G functionality allows direct export to the grid, the immediate and most tangible benefit for many Australian households will be Vehicle-to-Home (V2H). This enables an EV to power a home directly during peak electricity price periods or even during blackouts, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering energy bills.

Recent data from renewable energy retailer Amber Electric’s residential V2G trial, spanning May 12 to June 11, 2026, highlights these practical savings. A fleet of 33 V2G-enabled vehicles collectively generated AU$567.74 in energy value over the 30-day period. This equates to an average saving of approximately AU$17.20 per vehicle for the month, primarily through load shifting – charging during low-cost periods (often with rooftop solar) and discharging to power the home when grid prices are higher.

Of the 2,335.5 kWh discharged from vehicles, 1,680.0 kWh (72%) directly powered homes through V2H, contributing AU$423.25 to the total value. The remaining 655.5 kWh was exported to the grid via V2G, generating AU$144.49. This indicates that using an EV to power your home is becoming the dominant and most valuable use case for bidirectional charging in typical market conditions.

Which Hyundai and Kia Models Will Support V2G?

HMC Australia has confirmed that V2G capability will begin rolling out in the third quarter of 2026 for several of its E-GMP platform-based models. Initial Hyundai vehicles expected to support the technology include the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and the recently launched IONIQ 9. Kia is also preparing V2G functionality for its EV5 and EV9 models.

These models, built on Hyundai’s 800-volt Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), are designed to support high-power charging and bidirectional energy flows. The rollout will require specific firmware updates for the vehicles and the use of compatible, CEC-approved bidirectional chargers. For those considering an EV that can double as a home battery, understanding the capabilities of these models and the necessary charging infrastructure is key.

Regulatory Landscape and Future Outlook

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) cleared the regulatory path for V2G in late 2024, allowing EV batteries to export energy to the grid under the same standards as solar and home battery storage systems. However, the implementation still requires coordination between vehicle manufacturers, charger providers, energy retailers, and network operators.

Notably, South Australia is introducing new compliance requirements for V2G-capable chargers installed from July 1, 2026. These standards will incorporate OCPP 2.1 and the upcoming AS 5438, ensuring better integration with energy management systems and participation in demand response programs. Homeowners in SA considering V2G technology should ensure their proposed equipment meets these evolving requirements. This aligns with broader efforts to make the grid more flexible and resilient as EV uptake accelerates.

The ability for EVs to contribute to household energy independence and grid stability marks a significant evolution in Australia’s energy transition. As more compatible vehicles and chargers become available, and as energy retailers offer specific tariffs designed for bidirectional charging, the financial and environmental benefits for EV owners will continue to grow. Exploring Best EV Home Chargers in Australia 2026: A Buyer’s Guide to Costs and Installation can provide further insights into the hardware required. Additionally, understanding how to Slash EV Charging Costs by Up To $800/Year: Best Electricity Plans in Australia 2026 becomes even more critical when integrating V2G into your home energy strategy. For those with solar, considering What Solar System Size Do You Really Need in Australia 2026? Future-Proofing for EVs & Electrification is also highly relevant, as a solar-charged EV can significantly boost V2H benefits.

This latest development from Hyundai underscores the growing potential of EVs beyond transport, positioning them as a central component of Australia’s future electrified homes and a more resilient energy grid.