The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed an additional $13.6 million to expand Amber Electric’s pioneering vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and smart charging programs. Announced in late May and early June 2026, this significant federal investment aims to transform electric vehicles (EVs) into ‘driveable home batteries’, enabling more Australian households to earn money by exporting power back to the grid and bolstering national energy stability.
The funding boost, provided through the government’s Driving the Nation Program, will enable Amber Electric to significantly scale its V2G program, enrolling an additional 950 customers. This expansion will bring the total number of households participating in Amber’s V2G trial to 1,000. Furthermore, the smart charging program will more than double, adding over 1,000 new participants to reach a total of 2,000.
Unlocking Value: How V2G Works for EV Owners
Vehicle-to-Grid technology allows compatible EVs to not only draw power from the grid for charging but also to send stored electricity back when needed. This two-way energy flow offers substantial benefits for EV owners, primarily through potential cost savings and new revenue streams. By intelligently discharging power during periods of high demand or high wholesale electricity prices, participants can be paid for the energy their vehicle provides.
Amber Electric’s smart charging technology, a complementary component of the expanded program, can automatically optimise EV charging times. This means vehicles can charge when wholesale electricity prices are low, often coinciding with abundant renewable energy generation, further reducing running costs.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen highlighted the dual advantage of this technology at the expansion launch in Lidcombe.
“Vehicle-to-grid technology means your car does not just get you from A to B, it can help power your home and support the grid,” Minister Bowen said. “Australians with rooftop solar will be able to use their car to store the energy they’ve generated and then use that cheap, clean energy when they need it most.”
Participants retain control over their vehicle’s battery, setting minimum charge levels and specific times for full charge requirements via the Amber app. This ensures their EV is ready for transport when needed, while the system manages energy flows to maximise financial returns.
Grid Stability and Renewable Energy Integration
Beyond individual financial benefits, the widespread adoption of V2G technology holds significant promise for Australia’s energy grid. Electric vehicle batteries, which typically store substantially more energy than a standard household battery system, represent a vast, distributed energy resource. When aggregated, these mobile batteries can help stabilise the grid during peak demand, reduce reliance on fossil fuel ‘peaker’ plants, and better integrate intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller emphasised the role of this expansion in addressing key barriers to V2G deployment at scale. “To unlock V2G at scale, we need to bring together customers, car makers, networks and technology providers. A big part of that is giving manufacturers the confidence their vehicles will perform as expected, including through validated approaches to battery use and warranties,” Miller stated.
Indeed, Chinese multinational manufacturing company BYD is a key industry partner in the Amber program, providing warranties for participating customers’ EVs under the trial. This commitment from a major EV manufacturer is crucial for building consumer and industry confidence in V2G technology.
Future Outlook for V2G in Australia
The expanded trial is expected to generate critical insights into customer behaviour, technology performance, and market integration. This data will be instrumental in informing future national policy decisions, guiding industry investment, and accelerating broader V2G adoption across Australia. Amber Electric has indicated its intention to launch a commercial V2G product in 2026, building on the success of these trials.
As Australia continues its transition to a cleaner energy future, technologies like V2G are becoming increasingly vital. They offer a tangible way for EV owners to actively participate in the energy market, turning their vehicles into valuable assets that contribute to both personal savings and national energy resilience. For those interested in maximising their EV’s potential, exploring options like Optimise EV Charging with Solar in 2026: Slash Bills by $1,500+ Annually or understanding broader Best Home EV Chargers in Australia 2026: A Definitive Buyer’s Guide to Smart Charging & Installation can provide further insights into current opportunities.
While the V2G program focuses on grid interaction, homeowners seeking to manage their overall energy consumption and potentially earn from their stored energy might also consider Unlock $1,000+ Annually: Best Home Battery VPP Programs in Australia 2026 Ranked, which offers similar benefits through static home battery systems.