Nearly half of Australians (47%) would use their 

 as a home battery and sell excess energy back to the grid, according to a 

, which could transform how households manage energy costs.

The survey conducted with the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures and iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre, highlights the growing appeal of bidirectional charging. Unlike traditional chargers that only send power into an 

 allows energy to flow both ways—storing electricity when it’s cheap and feeding it back into the grid during peak demand.

A Game-Changer for Australia’s Energy Market

 estimates the technology could add nearly $3 billion in value to the energy system by 2050. With power prices fluctuating and pressure on the grid increasing, 

 could provide a much-needed buffer while helping EV owners cut costs and even turn a profit.

The survey found that 85% of respondents keep their cars parked at home for at least three days a week during key solar generating hours. This means they could charge their 

using free solar energy during the day and then sell power back at higher evening rates, reducing household electricity bills or earning additional income.

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Early Adopters Face Challenges, But Change is Coming

, uncovering significant hurdles. Limited vehicle compatibility, high setup costs, and complicated regulatory requirements have slowed adoption. Accessing clear information and finding certified installers also proved challenging.

However, major changes are on the horizon. New 

 will soon enter the Australian market, and regulatory updates are expected to simplify the setup process. As these barriers ease, more drivers will be able to take advantage of V2G technology.

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Despite the early challenges, the financial benefits are undeniable. Some 

 reported earning hundreds of dollars in just a few hours during wholesale energy price spikes. On 13 occasions last year, electricity prices surged above $10 per kWh, creating prime opportunities for EV owners to sell stored energy back to the grid.

Experts Say Australia is Well-Positioned for V2G Growth

. With high rates of solar panel installations, ample off-street parking, and a growing EV market, the country is ideally suited to take advantage of bidirectional charging.

NRMA Chief Strategy Officer Vivian Miles believes V2G could revolutionise energy use by providing extra power during peak hours while helping households reduce costs.

Dr Scott Dwyer from the Institute for Sustainable Futures says the insights from early adopters will help accelerate mainstream adoption. Managing Director of iMOVE Australia, Ian Christensen, agrees, emphasising the role of V2G in supporting renewable energy integration and transport decarbonszation.

has been life-changing. With a car battery five times the size of a typical home battery, he maximizes solar energy use and sells power back at peak times. In May, a major price spike saw wholesale rates exceed $20 per kWh—and in just two hours, he earned $564.

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While challenges remain, V2G is quickly moving from theory to reality. As more vehicles and chargers become compatible and regulations improve, 

 stand to gain both financially and environmentally. For those looking to maximise their EV investment, bidirectional charging could be the next big step. Findings from the study can be viewed 

Almost 50% Aussies want to use EVs as home batteries. With V2G tech, EV owners could earn hundreds selling power back to the grid. Find out how it works.