Coming soon! Your electric vehicle could act as a home battery

Many Electric Vehicles (EVs) can already power appliances- very handy when out on a worksite, camping or during power blackouts (Vehicle to load, V2L). But in an exciting development in late 2024, the Australian government passed legislation to allow EVs to power homes (Vehicle to home, V2H) and send power back to the grid (Vehicle to grid, V2G). Manufacturers are now developing the bidirectional chargers for the Australian market that will be available from mid- 2025.

Vehicles with confirmed V2H/V2G Capability (Current and Future):

Current: Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BYD Atto 3. VW ID Buzz, Polestar, Hyundai Ioniq 5, MG4, BMW i4, Audi, and the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Future: Other car manufacturers are yet to be confirmed or expected to introduce V2G capabilities. 

Benefits:

  • Energy Efficiency: EVs will be able act as home batteries on wheels, reducing energy costs and reducing greenhouse emissions by charging during the day from renewable sources and powering the home at night

  • Backup Power during outages. Homes and buildings with a bidirectional charger will be able to be powered (7-22kW) by an EV

  • Potential for Revenue: EV owners could potentially earn income by charging off solar or when demand is low and selling excess energy back to the grid when demand is high

  • Grid Stability: V2G can help stabilize the grid by encouraging EV owners to charge when there is excess renewables in the grid, and providing energy from EVs during times of peak demand

Unknowns:

  • Warranty impacts EV manufacturers are yet to announce whether V2H/V2G use will impact on car warranties

  • Cost for bidirectional chargers. Firm pricing has not been announced yet, but could be around $6,000 initially, then prices may come down significantly once initial demand subsides and competition in the market increases.

More Information:

This recent article in The Driven

RedEarth website- manufacturing Australian-made bidirectional chargers

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Kyneton Transition Hub, Renewable Energy, Resources & Tips, Sustainable Homes, Sustainable Malmsbury, TransportKathryn Allentips, electric vehicles, V2G, V2H