The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is set to host Australia’s largest commercial deployment of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announcing $4 million in funding to JET Charge for the ‘Realising Electric Vehicle-to-Grid Services 2 (REVS2)’ project. The initiative, confirmed on 21 October 2026, will integrate up to 130 electric vehicles and bidirectional chargers into the ACT Government fleet, moving V2G capabilities from trial phases to large-scale, everyday operation.
This significant investment underscores the growing recognition of electric vehicles not just as transport solutions, but as mobile energy storage assets capable of supporting Australia’s electricity grid. The project builds on a 2020 ARENA-funded trial that successfully demonstrated EVs could safely export electricity back to the grid. REVS2 will now test the practical benefits and operational models within a substantial commercial fleet.
“Electric vehicles have the potential to do much more than just move people and goods from A to B. They can also help support Australia’s electricity system by storing renewable energy and supplying it back to the grid when demand is high,” stated Darren Miller, CEO of ARENA.
Shifting EVs from Transport to Grid Support
The REVS2 project is a critical step in demonstrating the broader value proposition of electric vehicles. By deploying bidirectional chargers, the ACT Government fleet’s EVs will be able to both draw power from the grid for charging and discharge stored energy back into it. This ‘two-way’ energy flow can help stabilise the grid during periods of high demand or low renewable generation, effectively turning a parked vehicle into a distributed energy resource. This capability is particularly vital as Australia continues to integrate more intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind into its network.
For Australian EV owners, this commercial rollout provides a glimpse into a future where their personal vehicles could play an active role in national energy management. The financial incentives for fleet operators participating in such schemes could eventually pave the way for similar benefits for individual consumers, potentially offsetting vehicle running costs or even generating income. For a deeper dive into how this technology could benefit you, read our guide on V2G/V2H in Australia 2026: Is Your EV a $7,000 Home Battery Worth It?.
The Commercial Advantage: Beyond Personal Use
Commercial fleets, with their predictable usage patterns and centralised management, are ideal candidates for early V2G adoption. Vehicles in government or corporate fleets often sit idle for significant portions of the day, providing ample opportunity for grid services. This project will test the practicalities of integrating V2G into daily operations, including how operators can be rewarded for their grid support without compromising vehicle availability for transport needs.
This deployment contrasts with residential V2G trials, such as the ARENA-backed expansion of Amber Electric’s program from 50 to 1,000 homes earlier in May. While residential V2G focuses on household energy management and bill savings, the commercial fleet application highlights the potential for large-scale, aggregated grid services.
Broader Implications for Australia’s EV Infrastructure
The REVS2 project is a component of ARENA’s broader ‘Driving the Nation Program’, which aims to accelerate the uptake of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) across Australia. As the national EV fleet grows – with battery electric vehicles accounting for 24.2 per cent of new car sales in September 2026 alone – the demand for robust and intelligent charging infrastructure becomes paramount. Initiatives like REVS2 demonstrate how EVs can be integrated into the energy ecosystem, contributing to both transport decarbonisation and grid resilience.
The success of this commercial V2G deployment in the ACT could provide a blueprint for other state and federal government fleets, as well as private businesses, to implement similar programs. This would further solidify Australia’s position in advanced EV technology and grid integration. As fleet operators consider the transition to electric vehicles, understanding the full scope of benefits, including V2G capabilities, becomes increasingly important. Businesses looking to electrify their operations may find insights in our guide on How to Prepare Your Australian Fleet Depot for Megawatt Electric Truck Charging in 2026: A Complete Guide.
This project represents a tangible step towards a more interconnected and resilient energy future, where electric vehicles are active participants in managing Australia’s power supply.