Australia’s clean energy transition received a significant boost as the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) committed an additional $13.6 million to expand Amber Electric’s electric vehicle (EV) smart charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) initiative, bringing total project funding to $16.8 million. The expanded trial is expected to substantially increase participation and accelerate the integration of EVs into the national energy system.
Under the enhanced program, the number of households equipped with V2G capability will rise dramatically from 50 to 1,000, enabling more EV owners to export stored electricity from their vehicles back into the grid. At the same time, smart charging participation will grow from 950 to 2,000 households, allowing customers to automatically charge their vehicles during periods of low electricity prices and reduced emissions.
ARENA Chief Executive Darren Miller emphasized that scaling V2G deployment requires coordinated efforts across the energy ecosystem. He noted that aligning customers, automakers, network operators, and technology providers is critical to unlocking the full potential of bidirectional charging. He also highlighted the importance of building confidence among manufacturers by ensuring that EV batteries perform reliably under V2G conditions, supported by validated testing frameworks and warranty assurances.
The initiative will collaborate with global automotive manufacturers, beginning with BYD, to implement interoperable charging standards that support both grid import and export functions. A key focus of the project is addressing industry concerns around battery degradation and warranty risks through real-world testing and direct engagement with manufacturers.
The expansion builds on promising early results, with Amber already completing 25 residential V2G installations and successfully rolling out its initial smart charging trial. Strong customer interest has underscored the growing demand for flexible, cost-efficient energy solutions that integrate EV ownership with household energy management.
By scaling the trial, ARENA aims to generate valuable insights into consumer behavior, technology performance, and market integration. These findings are expected to inform future regulatory frameworks, guide industry investment decisions, and support broader adoption of V2G technology across Australia.
Unlocking V2G capabilities remains a central pillar of ARENA’s Driving the Nation Program, which seeks to accelerate the decarbonization of transport and enhance grid resilience through innovative energy solutions.