Can your electric vehicle do more than just get you from A to B? This week, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed $4 million in funding to JET Charge for Australia’s largest commercial deployment of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, a move that could see your EV actively supporting the electricity grid and potentially even powering your home.
Announced on 28 October 2026, this significant federal investment will see up to 130 electric vehicles and bidirectional chargers deployed across the ACT Government fleet. The project, dubbed ‘Realising Electric Vehicle-to-Grid Services 2 (REVS2)’, builds on previous trials and aims to unlock the substantial potential of EVs to bolster grid stability, particularly during periods of high demand or renewable energy intermittency.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller highlighted the broader implications of the project, stating that electric vehicles could “do much more than just move people and goods from A to B. They can also help support Australia’s electricity system by storing renewable energy and supplying it back to the grid when demand is high.” This initiative marks a crucial step in transitioning V2G technology from successful trials to widespread commercial adoption, providing real-world evidence on how large fleets can be incentivised to support the grid while meeting their daily transport needs.
What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology?
V2G technology allows electric vehicles to not only draw power from the grid for charging but also to export stored energy back to the grid. This bidirectional flow of electricity transforms an EV from a simple consumer into a mobile energy storage unit, capable of discharging power when needed. For consumers, this could translate into financial benefits by selling excess energy back to the grid, or even providing backup power to their homes during outages – a concept known as Vehicle-to-Home (V2H).
“Electric vehicles have the potential to do much more than just move people and goods from A to B. They can also help support Australia’s electricity system by storing renewable energy and supplying it back to the grid when demand is high.” — Darren Miller, CEO, ARENA
This technology is becoming increasingly vital as Australia integrates more intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind into its grid. EVs, with their large battery capacities, offer a flexible and distributed energy storage solution that can help balance supply and demand, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuel peaker plants.
The ACT as a National Testbed
The ACT Government fleet provides an ideal environment for the REVS2 project. Its relatively concentrated geographical area and commitment to electric vehicles offer a controlled yet practical setting to test the commercial viability and operational benefits of V2G at scale. The 130 EVs and associated bidirectional chargers will demonstrate how a large commercial fleet can effectively participate in grid support services without compromising its primary transport functions.
This deployment builds upon Australia’s first V2G trial, also funded by ARENA in 2020, which successfully demonstrated that EVs could safely export electricity. The REVS2 project will now focus on the economic and operational incentives for large fleets, a key missing piece for broader bidirectional charging adoption in Australia. Understanding these incentives is crucial for future policy development and market design.
Impact on Australian Drivers and the Energy Market
While this initial deployment focuses on a government fleet, the long-term implications for Australian EV owners are substantial. As V2G technology matures and becomes more widely available, it could enable individual households to leverage their EV batteries as a form of home energy storage, similar to a stationary home battery system. This could lead to:
- Reduced Electricity Bills: By discharging power during peak pricing periods and charging during off-peak times or with rooftop solar.
- Enhanced Energy Resilience: Providing backup power during blackouts (V2H functionality).
- New Revenue Streams: Participating in grid services by selling stored energy back to the market.
For those considering the benefits of using their EV to power their home, our comprehensive guide on EV V2H & V2G in Australia 2026: The $12,000+ Guide to Powering Your Home offers detailed insights into the technology, costs, and potential savings. Furthermore, the ability of EVs to act as mobile batteries could complement existing solar installations, offering additional value beyond what a standalone home battery provides. For a deeper dive into home battery considerations, see Is a Home Battery Worth It in 2026? Unlocking $1,000s in Savings for Your Existing Solar.
This ARENA-funded project highlights a growing shift towards viewing EVs not just as transport, but as integral components of a modern, resilient, and renewable energy system. The data and insights gathered from the ACT deployment will be critical in accelerating the rollout of V2G capabilities across Australia, bringing us closer to a future where electric vehicles actively contribute to our energy security.
Comparing Home Battery vs. EV as Storage
| Feature | Dedicated Home Battery (e.g., Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem) | Electric Vehicle (with V2G/V2H capability) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Stationary energy storage for home | Transportation, secondary energy storage |
| Capacity (typical) | 5 kWh - 20 kWh | 40 kWh - 100 kWh+ (larger capacity than most homes need) |
| Mobility | None | Mobile, can provide power where needed (e.g., camping) |
| Installation | Fixed installation, often with solar | Requires bidirectional charger, vehicle compatibility |
| Cost (excl. rebates) | From $8,000 - $20,000+ AUD | Included in EV purchase, charger $3,000 - $10,000+ AUD |
| Grid Services | VPP participation, peak shaving | VPP, V2G, V2H, peak shaving |
| Availability | Widely available | Emerging, limited compatible vehicles/chargers in 2026 |
The Road Ahead for V2G in Australia
The REVS2 project is a significant step in establishing the commercial and technical frameworks for V2G in Australia. It will help inform future policy, regulatory changes, and market mechanisms needed to fully integrate bidirectional charging into the National Electricity Market. As more EV models become V2G-compatible and charger technology advances, the potential for EVs to contribute to Australia’s energy future will only grow, moving beyond trials to become a common feature of EV ownership.
This commitment from ARENA reinforces Australia’s ambition to be a leader in renewable energy and smart grid solutions, ensuring that the increasing uptake of electric vehicles provides benefits not just for drivers, but for the entire energy system.