Electric vehicles (EVs) have opportunities for uses beyond driving. Some EVs can share electricity with different items including:
- your house/building
- another EV
- other equipment (such as power tools)
- the electricity grid (the network that delivers your electricity).
A broad term that covers this bi-directional flow of electricity between an EV and other items is vehicle-to-everything (V2X). This innovative technology is set to play a big role in Australia's energy future.
Not all EVs or charging systems support V2X. Those that do may not support all types of V2X. Check the specifications of your EV and charging system to determine compatibility.
Before you undertake any V2X activity, you must consider if your EV is compatible. Currently very few EVs in Australia have V2X capability confirmed from the vehicle manufacturer.
Always refer to the documents provided by your EV manufacturer (like the owner’s manual or vehicle warranty) about your vehicle’s specific V2X capabilities. This includes the warranty coverage for your EV battery when used for V2X. Using V2X features without confirmation may impact your warranty or servicing support.
You should also follow any other advice from the vehicle manufacturer about installation, charger compatibility and charging practices.
Some different types of V2X include:
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems allow compatible EVs to send electricity back to the electrical grid when needed. This can include times when the grid has high demand and needs extra electricity.
Key benefits of V2G include:
- Saving you money: Your energy retailer may pay you for the electricity your EV has exported to the grid. These benefits may be more significant depending on when you export your energy. For example, returning energy to the grid during peak demand periods when prices are higher.
- Optimising your solar: You can charge your EV with rooftop solar during the day and release this stored energy to be used when the sun isn't shining, much like conventional home battery storage systems. This lets you get the most out of your EV.
- Helping the planet: When used on a large-scale, V2G can help stabilise the grid and support Australia’s transition to renewable energy.
- Battery management: Using your EV for both regular driving and V2G means your battery may need to work a bit harder with more frequent charging and discharging cycles. While this may lead to slightly faster battery wear over time, smart energy management and evolving battery technology help minimise these effects. You can make the most out of your EV, support a cleaner grid, and maintain reliable EV performance.
You should also follow any other advice from the vehicle manufacturer in relation to installation, charger compatibility and charging practices.
Vehicle-to-home (V2H)
Vehicle-to-home (V2H) systems enable EVs to be a power source for your home. In V2H applications, the EV battery can send electricity back into the household’s electrical system.
Not only can V2H mean you may be able to power your house during power outages, it may also help reduce energy costs during peak times. This reduces your home’s reliance on the electricity grid when the grid is constrained.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L)
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) allows EV owners to power individual appliances connected to their EV. Some EVs can power tools in a work or camp site. V2L powers these devices by plugging into sockets in the vehicle, such as in the boot or ute tray.
V2X (inverter) standards
New standards have been approved, making it easier for manufacturers to bring V2G and V2H capable vehicles and chargers to the Australian market.
This progress will help integrate EVs with Australia's abundant renewable energy sources, like rooftop solar, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
The National Consumer Energy Resources Roadmap
Consumer energy resources (CER) are technologies owned by households and businesses that generate or store electricity, including EVs.
At the request of the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council (ECMC), the Consumer Energy Resources sub-Working Group (CERSWG) developed the National Consumer Energy Resources Roadmap.
The Roadmap will deliver national reforms for efficient and effective CER integration. This will help unlock benefits for all consumers and the power system. On 19 July 2024, ECMC endorsed the Roadmap including the specific measures and timelines in its implementation plan.
The Roadmap recognises that consumers and CER are a key driver of the renewable energy transition. It outlines how governments will work to enable CER’s potential to:
- lower bills
- improve reliability
- cut network costs by reducing the need for grid-scale investment.
The Roadmap is a first step to enable billions of dollars in savings and benefits, along with new consumer protections.
Read the roadmap: Consumer Energy Resources Working Group.