Australia is set to allow vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging by the end of 2024. Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced at the Sydney EV Auto Show that Standards Australia has officially approved a new standard for V2G technology.
V2G technology enables electric vehicles (EVs) to both draw power from the grid and send electricity back when needed.
What that means is that no longer will charging be a one-way street. You can charge when you want to charge, and you can discharge back to your house or to the grid when that suits you,” said Minster Bowen.
This allows consumers more control over their energy use, potentially reducing costs and supporting grid stability.
He also noted that consumers could set up their V2G systems to “happen all automatically” based on energy prices. This added flexibility will make it easier for EV owners to take advantage of the system. They can benefit from it even without actively managing it.
Next Steps for Manufacturers and Charging Companies
Moving forward, manufacturers and charging companies will need to register their V2G products with the Clean Energy Council. Bowen urged these companies to act quickly.
“They’ll have to meet the standard that’s been ticked off by Standards Australia, but where we’ve got manufacturers and OEMs who are on board for that and it all happens smoothly, we’ll be able to have bi-directional charging a reality by Christmas this year,” said Minister Bowen.
“I really am encouraging manufacturers both of vehicles and charging infrastructure to get their act together and get their applications into the Clean Energy Council,” he added.
The new standard will allow products that meet the approval criteria to be integrated into the system. This will pave the way for widespread adoption of V2G technology.
Not every manufacturer is fully ready yet. However, the approval of the new standard marks the beginning of a new chapter for V2G technology in Australia.
Bowen acknowledged that the adoption of V2G technology may take some time.
“It’s not going to happen overnight for everyone. Not every manufacturer is at the same place, but it’s now going to be enabled in our system,” he said.
In Australia, Nissan LEAF and LEAF+ electric hatchbacks, as well as Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Outlander PHEV SUVs, currently feature V2G charging technology.
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