In 2026, Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies are transforming how Australians interact with their energy systems, offering potential annual savings of up to $1,800 or more through smart energy management. While still an emerging technology, a growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) and purpose-built bidirectional chargers are now available in Australia, allowing you to power your home during peak times or even export energy back to the grid for financial return. This guide outlines compatible EVs, chargers, costs, and the actionable steps to unlock these savings right now.
What are V2H and V2G?
Before diving into specifics, it’s crucial to understand the distinct functionalities:
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): The most common form of bidirectional capability, V2L allows your EV to power individual appliances directly via a standard AC outlet (typically in the boot or under the rear bumper). Many modern EVs, including the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, MG MG4, and BYD Atto 3, offer V2L, delivering 2.2–3.6kW. No special home installation is required.
- Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): This allows your EV battery to power your entire home’s circuits through a dedicated bidirectional charger. Your EV effectively acts as a large home battery, drawing stored energy to run your house during blackouts or high-price periods. V2H is generally simpler to implement than V2G, as it doesn’t require direct communication or approval from the broader grid.
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): This is the most advanced capability, enabling your EV to export stored energy back into the electricity grid. You can charge your car when electricity is cheap (e.g., overnight or with surplus solar) and then sell that power back during peak demand periods when prices are high, earning credits or income. V2G requires a compatible vehicle, a bidirectional charger, and agreement with your electricity retailer and Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP).
Compatible EVs for V2H & V2G in Australia 2026
Not all EVs are created equal when it comes to bidirectional charging. As of mid-2026, the market is primarily split between older CHAdeMO-compatible vehicles and a growing number of newer CCS2-compatible models. It’s important to differentiate V2L, which is widespread, from true V2H/V2G capabilities.
| EV Model | Connector Type | V2H/V2G Capability (Australia 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf (40kWh, 62kWh) | CHAdeMO | Yes (established) | Most established V2G vehicle, used in trials. CHAdeMO is being phased out globally. The 2026 Nissan Leaf is expected to shift to CCS2. |
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | CHAdeMO | Yes | Plug-in hybrid with V2H/V2G capability. Smaller 13.8kWh battery. Used in SA Power Networks V2G pilot. |
| Kia EV9 Earth AWD | CCS2 | Yes (most capable) | Supports CCS2 bidirectional charging, 99.8kWh battery. Compatible with Wallbox Quasar 2. Starts around $109,000. |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 / IONIQ 6 / IONIQ 9 | CCS2 | Hardware ready; firmware rollout | Hardware is V2G-capable; software updates are rolling out to enable V2G. Hyundai completed Australia’s first V2G discharge using ISO 15118-20. |
| Kia EV5 / EV9 | CCS2 | V2G capability coming | Kia is preparing V2G capability for these models. |
| Volkswagen ID.4, ID.5, ID.Buzz (2026+) | CCS2 | Confirmed V2G support | VW confirmed V2G support for Australian models via CCS. |
| BYD (future models) | CCS2 | V2G support confirmed for future models | BYD is a focus for Amber Electric’s expanded V2G trial. |
| Most other EVs (Tesla, BYD Atto 3, MG4, Volvo EX30, Kia EV6) | CCS2 | V2L only (currently) | These models typically support V2L but not V2H/V2G in Australia as of 2026. |
It is critical to verify the specific model year and firmware version with your dealer, as V2G enablement can vary.
Bi-directional Chargers Available in Australia 2026
A compatible EV is only half the equation; you also need a bidirectional charger approved for Australian grid connection. The Clean Energy Council (CEC) approval is a key step, ensuring safety and compliance with AS/NZS 4777.2 standards.
| Charger Model | Connector Type | Power Output | Indicative Price (Hardware Only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallbox Quasar 2 | CCS2 | 11.5kW | ~$4,500 – $6,000 | Pioneer in V2G, compact DC charger with blackout mode. Compatible with Kia EV9, IONIQ 5 (with firmware). |
| V2Grid Numbat | CHAdeMO & CCS2 | Up to 25kW | ~$6,000 – $10,000+ | Australian-developed, notable for supporting both standards. Approved by Ausgrid for NSW. |
| Sigenergy Sigen EV DC Charging Module | CCS2 | 12.5kW / 25kW | ~$4,850 (12.5kW module) | CEC-approved, integrates with SigenStor hybrid energy system. Additional inverter cost ~$1,800-$5,500. |
| StarCharge Halo | CCS2 | 7kW / 11kW | ~$6,000 – $10,000+ | CEC-approved. Used in Amber Electric’s V2G trial. |
| RedEarth Energy Storage / Ambibox DC Wallbox | CCS2 | Up to 22kW | ~$9,990 plus GST | Australian-made, pre-orders from Nov 2025, deliveries from Feb 2026. Tested with several popular EVs. |
Installation costs for bidirectional chargers typically range from $5,000 to over $10,000 for hardware alone, with additional electrical upgrades potentially adding $500–$1,500. This is significantly more than standard Level 2 chargers. For more general information on charging options, see our guide: Best EV Home Chargers in Australia 2026: A Buyer’s Guide to Costs and Installation.
How to Unlock Savings with V2H & V2G in 2026
Leveraging your EV for V2H or V2G can lead to substantial reductions in your household electricity bills and even generate income. The primary pathways to savings are:
1. Peak Shaving and Self-Consumption (V2H)
By using your EV as a large home battery, you can store cheaper off-peak electricity or surplus solar generation and then discharge it to power your home during expensive peak demand periods. This significantly reduces your reliance on grid electricity when it’s most costly.
A joint study from Flinders, Adelaide and Murdoch universities in April 2026 found that a 7kW solar system, coupled with a 9kWh home battery and a V2H-capable EV, delivered the lowest estimated annual cost of $2451, reducing power grid imports by 78% compared to a house with no solar or battery.
Research indicates V2H can lead to an average annual reduction in electricity costs of 6.8%. This strategy is particularly effective when paired with a robust solar PV system. Consider reviewing our guide on What Solar System Size Do You Really Need in Australia 2026? Future-Proofing for EVs & Electrification to optimise your setup.
2. Grid Export and Virtual Power Plants (V2G)
Participating in V2G programs allows you to export power back to the grid, often earning higher feed-in tariffs or direct payments during periods of high demand. Energy retailers like Amber Electric offer programs where compatible EVs can earn bill credits by exporting energy.
Early participants in the ACT’s ActewAGL/AGL Smart Home program have reported net annual benefits of $800–$1,800, depending on driving patterns and grid response activity. The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) estimates an EV owner participating in V2G could earn around $1,000 annually for exporting power. Some retailers, like Amber Electric, even suggest V2G could unlock around $3,000 a year from your car.
This strategy is highly beneficial for those on Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs. Our guide, Slash Your 2026 Peak Electricity Charges by Up To 70%: Your Daily ToU Tariff Playbook, provides further insights into optimising these tariffs.
3. Blackout Resilience (V2H)
Beyond cost savings, V2H offers invaluable backup power during grid outages. Your EV’s large battery can keep essential home appliances running, providing peace of mind. A typical EV with a 60-80 kWh battery could power an average Australian home (18-20 kWh/day) for 3-4 days during a blackout. This functionality directly competes with dedicated home battery backup systems, which typically start from $7,000.
Australian V2H & V2G Programs and Regulatory Landscape 2026
The regulatory environment for bidirectional charging in Australia is maturing rapidly. National V2G and V2H standards were adopted in 2024, with updated AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amendment 2 (effective 23 August 2025) including provisions for bidirectional energy transfer. CEC-approved chargers can now be installed under existing electrical frameworks.
Several pilot programs and commercial expansions are underway across Australia:
- Amber Electric (National): Expanding Australia’s largest residential V2G trial from 50 to 1,000 households with $13.6 million in ARENA funding. The program will initially focus on BYD vehicles.
- ActewAGL / AGL Smart Home (ACT): Offers managed export programs for compatible vehicles and Wallbox Quasar 2 chargers, paying above standard feed-in tariffs.
- SA Power Networks (SA): Successfully trialled V2G with CHAdeMO vehicles and plans commercial expansion for 2026–27. South Australia is currently the only state to have specifically legalised vehicle-to-grid (bidirectional charging).
- Evoenergy (ACT): Has approved V2G export for compliant charger installations. In the ACT, only CCS2 plugs can currently use V2G/V2H.
- Origin Energy: Planning a V2G trial in 2026 with 50 customers, using BYD Atto 3 SUVs and StarCharge equipment.
While the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has called for a $3,000 government rebate towards V2G chargers to be included in the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, this is not yet in place.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the promising outlook, there are still hurdles:
- High Upfront Costs: Bidirectional chargers are significantly more expensive than standard EV chargers.
- Limited EV Compatibility: While growing, the number of V2H/V2G-compatible EVs is still a small fraction of the overall market.
- OEM Warranty Concerns: Using your vehicle for V2G outside of approved trials may risk voiding the battery warranty. This is a significant barrier needing resolution from manufacturers.
- Installation Complexity: Requires a licensed electrician, potential switchboard upgrades, and network approval.
Bottom Line
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) are no longer theoretical concepts in Australia; they are becoming a tangible reality in 2026. For homeowners with compatible EVs and the financial capacity for the upfront investment in a bidirectional charger, the benefits of energy independence, reduced electricity bills, and potential grid revenue are compelling. While the initial costs are substantial, ongoing trials and evolving regulations point to a future where your EV is not just transport, but a powerful, flexible energy asset. If you are purchasing a new EV, prioritising a V2H/V2G-compatible model, particularly those supporting CCS2, will future-proof your investment. For those looking to maximise immediate savings and blackout protection, V2H is currently the more accessible and less regulated option, offering a direct pathway to reducing your reliance on the grid and making the most of your home solar generation. Evaluate your current energy consumption, solar setup, and driving habits to determine if the investment aligns with your long-term energy goals. Always consult with a CEC-accredited installer and your electricity retailer to ensure compliance and optimise your setup for maximum savings.