Imagine using your electric car's battery to power your home during a blackout, or selling stored energy back to the grid during peak pricing. That's the promise of V2H (vehicle-to-home) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology. While still in its early stages in Australia, these technologies are developing rapidly and could fundamentally change how we think about EVs — transforming them from simple transport into mobile energy storage systems.
V2H: Vehicle-to-Home Explained
Vehicle-to-home (V2H) allows your EV battery to discharge power back into your house. Instead of one-way charging (grid → car), energy flows both ways. Your EV essentially becomes a massive home battery.
How V2H Works
- A bidirectional charger is installed at your home (replacing or supplementing a standard EV charger)
- The charger converts the EV battery's DC power to AC power suitable for household use
- An energy management system controls when and how much power flows to and from the car
- You set minimum battery thresholds to ensure your car always has enough charge for driving
V2H Use Cases
- Backup power: A typical EV battery (60kWh) can power an average Australian home for 2–3 days during a blackout
- Evening solar shifting: Charge your EV from solar during the day, then power your home from the EV battery in the evening — avoiding expensive peak grid electricity
- Peak demand management: Discharge your EV during peak tariff hours (3–9pm) to avoid high electricity rates
V2G: Vehicle-to-Grid Explained
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) takes the concept further. Instead of just powering your home, your EV can export electricity back to the grid — and get paid for it. V2G turns your EV into a distributed energy resource, participating in the electricity market.
How V2G Works
- Your EV charges during low-demand periods (overnight off-peak or from solar)
- During high-demand periods, your EV exports power to the grid via a bidirectional charger
- You're paid for the energy exported, typically at wholesale or retail rates
- Smart software manages the timing and amount of export to maximise revenue while maintaining your driving needs
Potential Earnings from V2G
| Strategy | Buy Price | Sell Price | Daily Profit (10kWh traded) | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-peak → peak arbitrage | 18c/kWh | 38c/kWh | $2.00 | $500–$730 |
| Solar → peak arbitrage | 8c/kWh | 38c/kWh | $3.00 | $750–$1,100 |
| Wholesale price spikes | 18c/kWh | $1–$5/kWh | Variable | $200–$500 extra |
Realistically, V2G could earn Australian EV owners $500–$1,500 per year, depending on how aggressively they participate and how often wholesale price spikes occur.
Current Status in Australia
V2H and V2G are still in the early stages of deployment in Australia. Here's where things stand in 2026:
Technical Readiness
- Bidirectional chargers are available but expensive ($5,000–$10,000 installed)
- Australian standards for V2G (AS/NZS 4777.2) have been updated to accommodate bidirectional EV charging
- Several pilot programs are underway with energy retailers and network operators
- Software platforms for managing V2G transactions are maturing
Regulatory Progress
- AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator) has recognised V2G as part of the future energy mix
- Some DNSPs (distribution network service providers) have approved V2G connections in pilot areas
- Regulatory frameworks for V2G energy trading are still being developed
Compatible Vehicles
Not all EVs support bidirectional charging. The vehicle must have the hardware and software to allow power to flow back out of the battery. Currently compatible models in Australia include:
| Vehicle | V2H Support | V2G Support | Bidirectional Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf (later models) | Yes | Yes (pilot) | CHAdeMO |
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Yes | Limited | CHAdeMO |
| BYD Atto 3 / Dolphin | Planned | Planned | CCS2 (future) |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | V2L only (external) | No | V2L outlet |
| Kia EV6 | V2L only (external) | No | V2L outlet |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | Yes (US, limited AU) | Planned | Proprietary |
Battery Degradation Concerns
The most common concern about V2H/V2G is whether the extra charge-discharge cycles will wear out the EV battery faster. Here's what the research shows:
- Typical V2H cycling adds 1–2 extra cycles per week — relatively modest compared to the battery's rated lifespan of 2,000–3,000 cycles
- Smart V2G systems limit depth of discharge — keeping the battery between 20–80% state of charge minimises degradation
- Temperature management is key — V2G systems maintain the battery within optimal temperature ranges during discharge
- Studies show 1–3% additional degradation over 10 years from moderate V2H/V2G use — a small cost relative to the potential earnings
The financial benefits of V2G ($500–$1,500/yr) far outweigh the estimated battery degradation cost (roughly $200–$500 over the battery's lifetime). However, it's worth noting that using V2G may affect your battery warranty — check your manufacturer's terms before participating. Our deep-dive on bidirectional EV charger costs in Australia covers current hardware pricing and the payback maths.
Should You Wait for V2H/V2G?
If you're considering an EV or a home battery, V2H/V2G technology is worth watching but not necessarily worth waiting for. Here's a pragmatic view:
- Buy an EV now — the running cost savings are immediate and substantial, regardless of V2H/V2G capability
- Consider V2H-compatible vehicles if backup power is important to you and you're choosing between similar models
- Hold off on a home battery if you expect to have a V2H-capable EV within 2–3 years — the EV battery may serve double duty
- Watch the market for bidirectional charger prices to come down and regulatory frameworks to mature
V2H and V2G represent the next evolution of the solar + EV ecosystem. When widely available, they'll allow Australian households to optimise energy costs further, provide grid stability services, and eliminate the need for separate home batteries. The technology is coming — it's a question of when, not if.