Ausgrid Testing StarCharge Halo - Most Affordable Bidirectional EV Charger in Australia?

Vehicle-to-Grid technology testing is gathering pace across New South Wales, with electricity distributor Ausgrid successfully testing the new StarCharge Halo bidirectional charger, launched in Australia officially last week.

The Halo will allow electric vehicle owners to sell excess battery power back to the grid during peak demand periods while charging their vehicles during off-peak times when rates are lower.

StarCharge Halo V2G Charger Specifications

The Halo V2G bidirectional DC charger offers power options of 7.4kW and 11kW with up to 96% efficiency. The compact wallbox supports ISO 15118-2 and ISO 15118-20 protocols and includes full OCPP 2.0.1/2.1 compatibility for residential and light commercial applications.

Grid Integration and Certification Progress

StarCharge's charger has received key distribution network service provider exemptions for approved deployments across multiple networks. The product is currently undergoing final certification under AS 4777.2, Australia's standard for inverter-connected energy systems.

Revenue Generation for Vehicle Owners

Electric vehicle batteries can function as income-generating assets when connected to V2G systems. Vehicle owners can monetise their battery capacity by discharging power to the grid during high-demand periods and recharging when electricity prices are lower.

"We've done the foundational work to understand how to integrate this V2G technology safely and effectively and our customers can now begin to benefit," commented Rob Amphlett Lewis, Group Executive Distributed Services at Ausgrid.

"V2G transforms EVs into more than just a transportation tool. For customers that are interested, they can become income-generating assets and energy-management systems, enhancing the overall value and practicality of owning an EV."

StarCharge CEO Kouki Xiang emphasised the broader ecosystem approach. "Our goal is to help lead Australia's transition to a more dynamic and distributed energy system," he remarked. "Halo V2G is more than just a product. It's part of a larger vision to connect vehicles, homes, and the grid into a unified, intelligent ecosystem."

The technology addresses grid stability challenges by providing distributed energy storage that can reduce network stress during peak periods. This approach can potentially delay costly infrastructure upgrades while giving consumers greater control over their energy bills.

Ausgrid's Head of Customer Connections Fatima Bazzi noted the expanded customer participation potential. "V2G allows EVs to discharge energy back to the grid during periods of high demand, alleviating stress on the network and improving overall grid performance," she stated.

StarCharge has invested in developing a comprehensive V2G ecosystem involving distribution network service providers, energy retailers, installers, fleet operators, and electric vehicle manufacturers. The company's cloud-based platform integrates with the Halo charger to provide load balancing, remote firmware upgrades, and real-time energy data reporting.

The technology's commercial potential was highlighted by industry representatives at StarCharge's Sydney launch event. Chau Le, General Manager E-mobility at Origin Energy, commented on LinkedIn: "V2G is in Australia! The energy was buzzing at StarCharge's launch of the Halo bidirectional charger. Excited to roll out V2G to our customers! Watch this space."

Julie Delvecchio, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, observed the broader implications for electric vehicle owners. "It's time to stop thinking about EVs as just a way to get from A to B. They're part of the energy system that can not only save, but earn you cash," she stated. "Real numbers? Amber Electric shared how one customer earned A$256 in June alone - exporting power at peak prices, charging when electricity was cheap."

Delvecchio noted StarCharge's collaborative approach with Australian partners. "What strikes me about Star Charge is they're investing in Australia for the long term. They're genuinely focusing on working with others to make progress. It feels like we're watching something special unfold that puts EVs at the centre of Australia's energy landscape," she remarked.