Australia’s energy landscape is set for a shift with the release of the National Roadmap for Bidirectional EV Charging.
Commissioned by ARENA with RACE for 2030 and delivered by enX Consulting, the strategy explores EVs as mobile energy storage solutions.
With bidirectional charging technology, EVs can not only draw power from the grid but also return energy to homes, businesses, or the grid itself.
This capability means EVs could function as “Batteries on wheels,” providing backup power and helping to stabilise the grid during peak demand.
Although not yet widely available in Australia, small-scale trials have demonstrated the technology’s potential.
It could serve as backup power sources during outages, reducing reliance on dedicated home batteries.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said bidirectional charging could revolutionise Australia’s approach to energy storage.
“By the early 2030s, the battery capacity of our electric vehicle fleet is projected to outstrip all other forms of energy storage in the National Electricity Market,” Miller said.
“With estimates suggesting 1.5 million EVs on Australian roads by 2030, even 10 per cent of those adopting V2G could meet 37 per cent of the NEM’s total storage needs while also giving Australians control over their contribution to the clean energy transition.
“This innovation isn’t just beneficial for the grid – it could also save Australians up to $5 billion in total by reducing the need for large-scale battery storage investments.
“Bidirectional charging is a small but important step toward creating an Australian energy network that’s more renewable, more reliable and more affordable for all Australians.”
ARENA said it has been exploring bidirectional charging for several years, with this latest roadmap building on previous initiatives, including the agency’s first V2X strategy in 2019.
While widespread adoption is still on the horizon, experts believe bidirectional EV charging could play a key role in reducing emissions and supporting Australia’s transition to a clean energy future.
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