Bidirectional EV charging, encompassing Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies, is becoming a tangible reality for Australian households in 2026, offering the potential to save up to $2,500 annually on electricity bills by turning your electric vehicle into a mobile energy storage system. While V2L is widely available, V2H and V2G require specific compatible vehicles and dedicated bidirectional chargers, which currently range from AUD$6,000 to AUD$10,000 for the hardware alone. The regulatory framework for V2G was largely established in late 2024, clearing the path for broader adoption, with key trials expanding across the country.
What is Bidirectional EV Charging?
Bidirectional EV charging refers to the ability of an electric vehicle to not only draw power from the grid or a solar system but also to export it back out. This two-way energy flow unlocks new possibilities for energy management and savings.
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): This is the most common and accessible form of bidirectional charging. V2L allows you to plug appliances directly into your EV using an adapter, typically via a standard AC outlet in the boot or cabin. It provides power for camping equipment, power tools, or as emergency backup during blackouts, usually delivering 2.2–3.6kW of power. No special home installation is required.
- Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): A more advanced application, V2H involves a dedicated bidirectional charger installed at your home. This charger draws power from your EV’s battery and feeds it directly into your home’s electrical circuits. This allows your house to run off the EV battery during peak tariff periods or blackouts, reducing reliance on the grid.
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): The most sophisticated form, V2G enables your EV to export stored energy back into the main electricity grid. This allows you to sell surplus energy during periods of high demand and high wholesale prices, generating income and providing valuable support to the grid. V2G requires a compatible vehicle, a bidirectional charger, and typically a specific energy retailer plan.
The Benefits for Australian Households in 2026
For Australian EV owners, bidirectional charging offers compelling advantages:
- Significant Bill Savings: By charging your EV during off-peak hours or with surplus rooftop solar and discharging during peak times or when wholesale prices are high, you can dramatically reduce your electricity bills. ACT pilot programs have shown typical participant savings of $500-$2,000 per year, while the expanded Amber Electric trial projects potential annual savings of up to $2,500 by combining smart charging with V2G exports.
- Enhanced Energy Independence: V2H functionality effectively turns your EV into a large home battery, providing backup power during grid outages. This can be particularly valuable in areas prone to blackouts.
- Optimised Solar Self-Consumption: If you have solar panels, a bidirectional EV can store excess solar generation during the day and use it to power your home in the evening, rather than exporting it at low feed-in tariffs or importing expensive grid power. This maximises your solar investment.
- Grid Stability and Support: By participating in V2G programs, your EV helps stabilise the electricity grid by providing flexible storage and dispatchable power, especially during periods of high demand. This contributes to a more resilient energy system for everyone.
“ACT pilot programs have reported typical participant savings of $500-$2,000 per year through a combination of export income and avoided import costs during peak periods.”
Current Costs of Bidirectional EV Charging in Australia
The investment required for bidirectional charging largely depends on the level of functionality you seek.
- V2L: This is typically included as a standard feature or an inexpensive accessory with compatible EVs. No additional home installation cost is incurred.
- V2H/V2G Charger Hardware: Dedicated bidirectional chargers are significantly more expensive than standard home EV chargers. As of early to mid-2026, these units generally cost between AUD$6,000 and AUD$10,000.
- Examples include the Wallbox Quasar (CHAdeMO compatible), Sigenergy Sigen EV DC Charging Module (often part of a wider solar-and-battery system), V2Grid Numbat (standalone residential), and the RedEarth Boomerang (rolling out).
- StarCharge Halo received Clean Energy Council (CEC) listing in March 2026 and is AS/NZS 4777.2 compliant.
- Installation Costs: While installation costs for a standard home EV charger average $2,269 nationally as of June 2026, a bidirectional charger installation can be more complex due to integration with home electrical systems and grid connection requirements. Expect installation costs for bidirectional units to be at the higher end or exceed typical single-direction charger installations, potentially ranging from $1,500 to $3,000+ depending on your home’s existing electrical infrastructure and location.
For comparison, a standard home EV charger (e.g., Wallbox Pulsar Plus, Tesla Wall Connector) might cost $800-$1,900 for the unit, plus installation. You can find more details in our guide: Best EV Home Chargers in Australia 2026: A Buyer’s Guide to Costs and Installation.
Compatible EV Models in Australia 2026
Compatibility is crucial for bidirectional charging, as not all EVs or chargers support the technology. There are two primary standards: CHAdeMO (older, phasing out) and CCS2 (newer, becoming standard).
| Feature | CHAdeMO Compatible EVs (V2G/V2H) | CCS2 Compatible EVs (V2G/V2H) | V2L Only EVs (Most Models) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Models | Nissan Leaf (40kWh, 62kWh), Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Kia EV9 Earth AWD, Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 (firmware dependent), Hyundai Ioniq 9 (upcoming), BYD (future models, initial trial focus) | Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, BYD Atto 3, BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal, MG4, MG ZS EV, Kia EV6, Genesis GV60, GV70, Deepal S07, Toyota HiLux EV (upcoming) |
| Availability | Available now (older models), CHAdeMO chargers becoming less common. | Kia EV9 available. Hyundai V2G firmware rolling out in 2026. BYD V2G in trials/upcoming. | Widely available across many popular EV models. |
| Power Output | Up to ~7-10kW (V2G/V2H) | Up to ~11-22kW (V2G/V2H) | Typically 2.2-3.6kW |
| Notes | CHAdeMO is being phased out globally for new EVs. | ISO 15118-20 standard for CCS2 bidirectional. Hyundai and Kia are on track for Q3 2026 V2G announcements. | Does not require a bidirectional home charger. |
Key Considerations for 2026:
- Nissan Leaf & Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: These remain the most established V2G/V2H vehicles in Australia via the CHAdeMO standard. However, CHAdeMO is no longer offered on new vehicles.
- Kia EV9 Earth AWD: This model supports bidirectional CCS2 and is compatible with growing Australian V2G infrastructure.
- Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9: These models have the necessary hardware for CCS2 bidirectional charging. Hyundai is actively rolling out V2G-enabling firmware updates, with compatibility dependent on specific build dates and software versions. The Ioniq 9 is confirmed for V2G testing in Australia.
- BYD: While current BYD models like the Atto 3 offer V2L, BYD has confirmed V2G support for future models and is the initial focus of the expanded ARENA-backed Amber Electric V2G trial.
- Tesla: Tesla models (e.g., Model 3, Model Y) currently support V2L only and do not offer V2H or V2G functionality.
Getting Started: What You Need
To implement V2H or V2G, you’ll need:
- A Compatible EV: Ensure your vehicle explicitly supports V2H/V2G (not just V2L) via either CHAdeMO or CCS2 standards, and that any necessary firmware updates are installed.
- A Bidirectional Charger: Purchase a CEC-approved and AS/NZS 4777 compliant bidirectional charger.
- Professional Installation: A licensed electrician familiar with bidirectional charging systems must install the charger, ensuring compliance with local grid connection rules and anti-islanding requirements.
- Grid Connection Approval: Your Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) will need to approve the connection, as electricity will be flowing both ways. Standards for V2G chargers, including demand response requirements, apply from July 1, 2026.
- Suitable Electricity Plan: To maximise savings, you’ll benefit from a time-of-use (ToU) electricity tariff that offers cheaper off-peak rates for charging and potentially higher feed-in tariffs for export. For more, see: Slash EV Charging Costs by Up To $800/Year: Best Electricity Plans in Australia 2026.
Australian Rebates & Incentives (2026)
As of mid-2026, direct state-based rebates specifically for bidirectional EV chargers for residential use are limited. Most EV incentives focus on vehicle purchase or standard home charging infrastructure.
However, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is heavily investing in V2G trials, such as the expanded Amber Electric program, which received an additional $13.6 million to scale up to 1,000 households. Participation in these trials may offer subsidised hardware or other incentives. It is crucial to check with your state government or energy retailer for any emerging local programs.
The Future of V2G in Australia
The regulatory environment in Australia is increasingly supportive of bidirectional charging. The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) cleared the regulatory path for V2G in late 2024, aligning it with existing standards for solar and battery storage systems. Industry leaders and government bodies are working to address remaining barriers, including manufacturer support and warranty concerns, as well as establishing clear standards for large-scale deployment.
The Australian government’s ‘Driving the Nation Program’ explicitly supports V2G, aiming for one million V2G-capable EVs on Australian roads by 2035. This ongoing commitment, coupled with increasing EV sales (battery electric vehicles reached 22.0% of new-car sales in May 2026), signals a strong future for bidirectional charging as a critical component of Australia’s energy transition.
Bottom Line
Bidirectional EV charging, particularly V2H and V2G, represents a significant evolution in how Australians interact with their energy. While V2L is a convenient feature available in many EVs today, the more advanced V2H and V2G capabilities are still in their early stages of mainstream adoption in 2026, primarily due to the current cost of compatible chargers (AUD$6,000 - $10,000) and the limited number of fully V2G-enabled vehicles with full manufacturer warranty support outside of trial programs. However, with regulatory hurdles largely addressed and major trials expanding, the landscape is rapidly shifting. If you are purchasing a new EV and aspire to leverage your vehicle as a home battery or grid asset, prioritise models with confirmed CCS2 bidirectional support like the Kia EV9 Earth AWD, or those with announced firmware updates such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and upcoming IONIQ 9. For those willing to participate in trials, the Amber Electric program offers a pathway to early adoption with potential significant savings. The investment today is substantial, but the long-term benefits for bill reduction, energy resilience, and grid support are clear, making bidirectional EV charging a technology to watch closely for savvy Australian consumers.