Australian Hyundai and Kia electric vehicle owners are poised to unlock significant energy savings and contribute to grid stability, with a new global partnership confirming smart charging capabilities from this month, and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology slated for 2027.
Hyundai Motor Group, encompassing both Hyundai and Kia brands, has selected energy intelligence platform Kaluza as its global technology partner. This collaboration aims to integrate advanced EV charging solutions directly into the myHyundai and Kia smartphone applications, initially rolling out in the UK before expanding to Australia.
The announcement, made on August 20, 2026, marks a pivotal step in transforming compatible EVs from mere transport into active participants in Australia’s evolving energy landscape. Smart charging, which begins deployment in August 2026, will allow drivers to automatically charge their vehicles during periods of lower electricity prices and higher renewable energy availability, directly reducing running costs.
V2G: Your EV as a Mobile Power Bank from 2027
The more transformative aspect for Australian households is the planned introduction of V2G services from 2027. V2G technology enables an electric vehicle to not only draw power from the grid but also export stored energy back into a home or the wider electricity network. This bidirectional flow offers a compelling proposition for EV owners facing rising energy bills and seeking greater energy independence.
“This is not just a product integration. We are co-developing the standard for how EVs participate in the energy system, and we expect the rest of the market to follow,” said Woong Tae Hwang, Vice President and Head of EV Energy Strategy Group at Hyundai Motor Group.
By discharging power during peak demand periods, EV owners could potentially earn revenue or significantly offset their household electricity consumption. This functionality also provides crucial support to Australia’s electricity grid by offering decentralised energy storage, helping to balance supply and demand, especially as more intermittent renewable energy sources come online.
How It Works: Seamless Integration and Optimised Charging
Kaluza’s energy intelligence platform will be embedded directly into the Kia App and myHyundai App, providing a seamless user experience. Drivers will be able to set their desired departure times, and the system will intelligently manage charging to minimise cost and carbon emissions.
This smart charging capability is distinct from Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which is already available on several Hyundai and Kia EV models like the IONIQ 5 and EV6, allowing them to power external appliances. V2G, however, interacts directly with the home or grid, offering a much broader energy management solution.
For Australian EV owners, this means a future where their vehicle could act as a dynamic home battery, storing excess rooftop solar generation during the day and discharging it to power the home at night, or even participating in Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs. Engaging in VPPs could allow owners to earn additional income by making their EV battery capacity available to the grid during times of high demand. Readers interested in maximising their energy savings with such systems can explore guides on Maximise Your Home Battery Savings: Earn $1,000+ Annually with a VPP in 2026.
Australian Readiness: Trials and Compatible Models
The groundwork for V2G in Australia has been steadily progressing. In June 2026, Hyundai Motor Company Australia successfully completed the nation’s first V2G discharge using the latest ISO 15118-20 global communications standard. This landmark test involved a Hyundai IONIQ 9 and a StarCharge Halo 7.4kW bidirectional DC charger, demonstrating the technology’s real-world viability under Australian conditions.
Initial Hyundai models expected to support V2G technology include the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and the newly released IONIQ 9. For Kia, the EV5 and EV9 are being prepared for V2G compatibility.
This development comes as Australian EV sales continue to surge, with battery electric vehicles accounting for 21.7% of the total new car market in July 2026. This rapid adoption underscores the urgent need for sophisticated charging infrastructure and energy management solutions.
For those considering an EV, the long-term running costs are a significant factor. Integrating smart charging and V2G capabilities can further enhance the economic benefits of EV ownership. Understanding the full financial picture can be aided by resources like Real Cost of Owning an EV in Australia 2026: Save Thousands Annually.
Smart Charging vs. Vehicle-to-Grid: Key Differences
While both technologies aim to optimise EV charging, their functionalities differ:
| Feature | Smart Charging (V1G) | Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Controls when an EV charges to optimise for cost/renewables. | Controls when an EV charges AND discharges power to home/grid. |
| Energy Flow | Unidirectional (grid to car) | Bidirectional (grid to car, car to home/grid) |
| Primary Benefit | Reduced charging costs, lower carbon footprint | Reduced energy bills, grid support, potential earnings, home backup |
| Complexity | Software-based scheduling | Requires compatible hardware (bidirectional charger) and grid integration |
| Availability | From August 2026 (Hyundai/Kia in Australia) | From 2027 (Hyundai/Kia in Australia) |
This partnership between Hyundai Motor Group and Kaluza is not just about enhancing the EV ownership experience; it’s about establishing the framework for a more integrated and resilient energy system in Australia. As EV adoption continues its rapid ascent, these intelligent energy management solutions will become increasingly vital for both individual consumers and the national grid. For homeowners planning their EV charging setup, understanding compatible home chargers is crucial; refer to Best Home EV Chargers in Australia 2026: Costs, Rebates & Key Considerations for Under $2,500 for more information.