New Federal Standards Allow Australians to Power Homes and Support the Grid with Electric Vehicles

Australians will soon have a new way to power their homes and even support the grid during peak demand, thanks to fresh standards from the Federal Government. Soon, electric vehicles (EVs) won’t just be transportation—they’ll also act as backup power sources for homes and help alleviate strain on the energy grid.

Powering Homes and Supporting the Grid

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, is expected to announce these new standards at the Sydney International EV AutoShow, introducing Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology in Australia. This means EV owners will be able to send energy stored in their car’s battery back into the grid during high-demand periods, helping to stabilize energy needs across the country.

This new capability is especially useful during peak times, such as during extremely hot days when the system is under the most pressure. With these standards in place, families can now opt to recharge their EVs at off-peak hours, using solar power or lower-cost electricity, and then sell excess power back to the grid during peak times, effectively turning their EVs into personal power stations.

The Role of V2H Technology in Home Backup Power

Alongside supporting the grid, these standards allow households to use their EVs as emergency backup power sources. In the event of a blackout, an EV battery can keep a home running for an average of three to seven days, depending on the household’s power consumption and the EV battery's size. This could make a huge difference during extended outages, providing essential power for lighting, refrigeration, and more.

What the New Standards Will Cover

The new standards will address the technical requirements for connecting V2G- and V2H-capable EVs to homes, including specifications for inverters and bi-directional chargers. This ensures that power can flow safely from car to home or grid without compromising the integrity of either system.

While these standards are spearheaded by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the Clean Energy Council and major electricity providers are also expected to endorse the guidelines, paving the way for seamless implementation.

When Will Australians Be Able to Access This Technology?

Drive reports that these standards are expected to be in place by the end of the year, meaning Australians will soon be able to take full advantage of V2G and V2H technology. This innovation promises to make EV ownership even more rewarding, as Australians can reduce their energy costs, support a stable grid, and enjoy added peace of mind during power outages.

With the Federal Government’s backing and industry support, V2G and V2H are set to become valuable tools for Australian households, transforming EVs from simple vehicles into versatile assets for energy independence and resilience.