The future of energy is shifting gears - literally! Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is set to transform how we use and store energy, helping households reduce costs, lower emissions, and support the grid.
At Amber, we’re working to accelerate this transition through our ARENA-backed V2G optimisation trial. We’ve been collaborating with charger manufacturers, carmakers, and networks to help unlock V2G’s full potential in Australia.
So where are we now? What are the roadblocks? And what’s next? Here’s the latest on V2G in March 2025.
The State of V2G in Australia
V2G is still an emerging technology, and a lot of moving parts need to come together before it becomes widely available. But progress is happening.
- Amber already has a handful of customers exporting energy from their EV batteries, earning money through wholesale feed-in tariffs - some have made hundreds of dollars in a day.
- Amber took part in the National Bidirectional EV Charging Roadmap Co-design Workshop in Canberra, led by enX consulting, where key industry stakeholders mapped out a national pathway for scaling V2G.
- A roadmap for bidirectional charging has now been released, outlining the challenges and next steps to make this technology mainstream. Have a look here.
Key Challenges Holding Back V2G
Despite the potential, several technical and regulatory hurdles still need to be solved before V2G is widely available in Australia.
1. Limited availability of V2G chargers
Only a handful of V2G chargers are currently available in Australia, and most still require network exemptions to connect.
- DC CCS chargers are emerging as the new standard, but access to units for testing remains difficult.
- Amber is working closely with manufacturers to enable V2G optimisation, ensuring chargers can be controlled for maximum financial and grid benefits.
2. Car manufacturers and battery warranties
Many new EV models have the hardware for V2G, but manufacturers haven’t yet unlocked the feature in Australia due to battery warranty concerns.
- Some brands, including Kia, Polestar, Volkswagen, and Cupra, have announced V2G-capable models but haven’t confirmed if it will be enabled for Australian customers.
- We expect more manufacturers to roll out software updates over time, but for now, V2G remains locked for most vehicles.
3. Grid connection restrictions
For V2G to work at scale, networks (DNSPs) need to allow bidirectional chargers to connect - but approvals are still limited.
- V2G chargers must meet Australian standards (AS/NZS 4777.2) and be Clean Energy Council (CEC) listed.
- Some networks are open to early connections if chargers meet safety standards but aren’t yet fully certified.
- New flexible export requirements (CSIP-Aus) mean chargers will need to adjust exports based on grid conditions, requiring on-site coordination with home solar.
4. No universal ‘language’ between cars and chargers
A major roadblock to widespread V2G adoption is the lack of a standardised communication protocol.
- Some automakers are only compatible with specific chargers, meaning not all EVs can export energy to all V2G-enabled chargers.
- Global standards like ISO 15118/20 will help unify V2G communication, but adoption is still in progress.
What’s Next for Amber’s V2G Trial?
To push V2G forward in Australia, Amber is taking the next big step - partially subsidising 50 V2G chargers for customers participating in our trial.
- The trial will likely be limited to one or two charger brands and select EV models that meet compatibility requirements.
- Some geographic restrictions may apply, as certain networks are more advanced in allowing V2G connections than others.
- We’re continuing discussions with carmakers, charger manufacturers, and networks to expand compatibility and unlock more V2G options for Australians.
- If you’d like to be considered for one of the subsidised chargers, add your details to the form listed below. We’ll be reaching out over the coming months!
Want to Get Involved?
If you’re interested in being among the first in Australia to access V2G, or even if you simply want to learn more about V2G, we want to hear from you!
Fill out this form to get the latest updates delivered to your inbox. You can also let us know if you’d like to be considered for participation in the trial.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more updates as we continue working to bring the future of energy to your driveway.
