ARENA is providing $3.2 million to Amber Electric for Australia’s first residential trial of smart charging and vehicle-to-grid services.
Through this trial, Amber Electric will develop a software solution to facilitate battery electric vehicle (BEV) smart charging and bi-directional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging for residential customers.
The project includes installing 100 smart chargers and 50 V2G chargers in participants’ homes.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said this was an exciting project that would provide insight into pathways for commercialisation of smart charging and V2G as well as uncover unique insights into consumer habits.
“With accelerating uptake of electric vehicles in Australia, this project will develop and demonstrate new ways for consumers to unlock value from their consumer energy resources and facilitate greater use of renewable energy,” he said.
Over the next two years, at least 1000 customers across the ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, and VIC will participate in the trial, with the V2G scope expected to commence in mid-2025.
The solution will be integrated into Amber’s existing customer application, enhancing its service offering and unlocking more value for BEV owners while accelerating the renewable energy transition.
ARENA’s funding will support the development and implementation of the software solution and the rollout of the chargers.
This project will allow trial participants to turn their vehicles into “batteries on wheels,” further supporting grid stability and the integration of renewable energy.
Amber co-CEO Dan Adams said that V2G and smart charging technology have great potential in Australia’s renewable landscape.
“This technology represents a transformative leap for energy storage in Australia, and the energy system as a whole. By integrating electric vehicles with the grid and the wholesale energy market, we can reduce costs for consumers whilst accelerating the transition to renewable energy,” he said.
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