AGL puts wheels in motion with innovative Vehicle-to-Grid trial

AGL today announced the launch of what will be a landmark residential Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) trial, putting the wheels in motion for customers to unlock the potential of their electric vehicles and move from using energy to managing energy.

The AGL trial will involve select EV models made by Hyundai, Kia, BYD and Zeekr. In an Australian first, AGL is working with the four manufacturers on providing trial participants with comfort that their vehicle’s battery warranty will not be impacted by participating in AGL’s trial.

With around 300,000 electric vehicles already on the road, AGL’s V2G trial aims to unlock the full potential of customers’ car batteries as a flexible energy storage asset that can help reduce home energy costs and support the energy grid as more renewable energy comes on-line.

AGL Head of Innovation and Strategy Renae Gasmier said: “To unlock the full potential of their electric vehicles, owners need to think about them as more than cars, but rather as home batteries on wheels. The typical electric car battery can store enough energy to power the average home for around three days¹.”

AGL’s V2G technology will enable EVs to become a two-way energy source, charging customers’ EV battery when electricity prices are low and renewables are plentiful and using that energy to power their homes or export surplus power back to the grid to earn extra credits to help lower home energy usage costs. AGL’s smart software handles everything while ensuring customers' EV is charged and ready to drive when needed.

Ms Gasmier added: “The learnings from this trial will allow us to use feedback from participants to roll out a V2G proposition for AGL’s customers with EVs in 2026.

“Unlocking the potential of car batteries is a game-changer for owners, by allowing them to reduce their energy usage costs, and for the broader community by contributing to grid stability during periods of peak energy demand.”

Don Romano, CEO of Hyundai Motor Company Australia, said Hyundai was excited to participate in the AGL trial.

“This trial is about proving what’s possible. By working with AGL, we will show how Hyundai EVs can do far more than drive – they can power homes and support the grid, too. It’s real innovation that Australian drivers can see and feel, and we’re proud to deliver it as part of this landmark trial.”

Damien Meredith, CEO of Kia Australia said Kia has been closely following V2G developments globally and incredibly excited to be a part of this local trial with AGL.

“Amid cost-of-living pressures, this unlocks the potential for Kia EV owners to transform their cars into mobile energy assets. Bi-directional charging is a game-changer, and we look forward to help introduce V2G to the Australian market on a much larger scale.”

Sajid Hasan, Chief Product Officer of BYD Australia said BYD is proud to partner with AGL on this important initiative.

“Together, we are demonstrating how Australian drivers can unlock the full potential of their vehicle batteries, turning cars into a powerful energy resource. This marks another exciting step forward in the capabilities of new energy mobility.”

Julie Delvecchio, Chief Executive Officer of the Electric Vehicle Council said it's great to see more vehicle-to-grid trials going ahead in Australia and that the automotive industry is working with the energy sector now to pave the way.

“Electric vehicles can store five times more energy than a typical home battery, a huge untapped resource sitting in our driveways. With around 350,000 EVs already on Australian roads the potential is extraordinary and trials like this will help turn this opportunity into reality.”

Key Features of AGL’s V2G trial

• Discounted bi-directional EV charger, including installation, for the first 50 eligible trial participants.
• Opportunity for bill savings with participants being able to charge their EV battery when their energy plan prices are lower and power their home using their EV battery when their energy plan prices are higher
• Earn peak export credits when energy is fed back to the grid within specified periods of peak demand.

AGL is also working towards expanding this trial so that customers maintain control with the ability to tell AGL’s V2G platform when they want their car charged and ready to drive.

AGL’s V2G trial brings together all major national electricity market (NEM) Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs), leading EV manufacturers (such as Hyundai, BYD, Kia and Zeekr), and EV Supply Equipment (EVSE) providers to establish a collaborative ecosystem that enables the delivery of V2G capability to customers—supporting both their transport and home energy needs.

For further information to expressions of interest, please visit next.agl.com.au/agl-v2g-trial.

¹ Can electric vehicles be used to power buildings or community shelters? - Electric Vehicle Council