Network professional in Australia demonstrates vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology using a Geely EX5, hinting at potential future developments in renewable energy storage.

In Australia, the adoption of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is gaining momentum, as key energy providers, innovators, and car manufacturers demonstrate practical applications and discuss broader rollout and incentives.

One such pioneer is Scott Purnell, an innovation technology specialist at Essential Energy, who is testing V2G technology at his home using a Geely EX5 electric car. During a recent test, Purnell's home ran with minimal reliance on the grid for 37 hours, relying instead on V2G technology and stored energy in his electric car.

Purnell configured his electric car to stop discharging once the battery reached 60% and to limit the discharge rate to 3kW. The V2G setup demonstrated resilience and intelligence during a real-world scenario by maintaining uninterrupted power.

The V2G technology is supported by a Sigenergy system, which played a crucial role during a high voltage event on the grid, automatically disconnecting Purnell's house from the network to protect the system.

Essential Energy, Australia's largest electricity distributor, is ready to host V2G charging across its networks, but is waiting for car manufacturers to give their approval and make their cars available. Essential Energy's head of innovation, Brad Tretheway, mentioned that anyone with a Sigenergy system in the Essential Energy network can access V2G with the software rollout.

Essential Energy supports network connections that help customers reap the rewards of their energy transition. Tretheway believes that V2G can help customers get more value from their renewable energy investments and is a critical step in facilitating the uptake of electric vehicles.

The main barrier to widespread V2G adoption, according to Tretheway, is vehicle warranties. However, encouraging signs are emerging, with Geely notably endorsing and participating in V2G technology trials in Australia. A successful real-world V2G and vehicle-to-home (V2H) trial with a Geely EX5 electric vehicle has demonstrated practical viability and integration of the technology with smart charging infrastructure.

Other car manufacturers are also getting involved. Earlier this year, Essential Energy successfully used a Ford Lightning electric ute in a V2G trial.

The Electric Vehicle Council’s modelling suggests V2G can deliver significant financial benefits for consumers. The council calls for government rebates, such as $3,000 towards V2G chargers, to boost uptake and enhance system-wide savings. The council's modelling suggests V2G could deliver up to a 150% return to consumers via lower electricity bills and earnings from energy sales back to the grid, with estimates of up to $1,000 per year income for participating EV owners.

Ausgrid launched a V2G project in July 2025 enabling two-way energy flows with EVs, allowing them to supply power back to the grid during peak demand, creating income opportunities for EV owners and supporting grid stability.

In summary, Australia is at the early adoption and demonstration phase of V2G technology, with practical trials (including with Geely EVs), supportive industry modelling, and governmental interest in incentives to scale adoption. While widespread commercial V2G services are not yet fully rolled out nationwide, the technology is transitioning from demonstration to initial practical use, particularly in New South Wales and regional areas where trials are underway.

Scott Purnell's home ran for 37 hours with minimal reliance on the grid, relying instead on renewable energy, V2G technology, and stored energy in his electric car.
Essential Energy is ready to host V2G charging across its networks, but is waiting for car manufacturers to give their approval and make their cars available.
The Electric Vehicle Council’s modelling suggests V2G can deliver significant financial benefits for consumers, offering up to a 150% return to consumers via lower electricity bills and earnings from energy sales back to the grid.
Ausgrid launched a V2G project in July 2025, enabling two-way energy flows with EVs, allowing them to supply power back to the grid during peak demand, creating income opportunities for EV owners and supporting grid stability.
Data and cloud computing, technology, and finance sectors will play a crucial role in the broader rollout and incentives of renewable energy solutions like V2G and electric vehicles, as they facilitate grid management, smart charging infrastructure, and consumer savings analysis.

Network professional in Australia demonstrates vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology using a Geely EX5, hinting at potential future developments in renewable energy storage.