V2G vs V2H: What’s the Difference — and Are They Approved in Australia Yet?

Written By Guest User

As the electric vehicle (EV) market grows, so does interest in advanced charging technologies like V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) and V2H (Vehicle-to-Home). These innovations promise to do more than just charge your EV — they could turn it into a mobile battery that powers your home or even supports the energy grid.

But how viable are these technologies in Australia right now? Let’s break it down.

🔌 What is V2G?

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) allows your EV to send energy back to the electricity grid. Instead of being just a consumer of electricity, your EV becomes an energy asset — helping to balance supply and demand, support the grid during peak times, or participate in energy trading.

🏠 What is V2H?

Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) enables your EV to power your home directly. This can be used for:

  • Backup power during outages

  • Reducing grid usage during peak pricing

  • Supporting solar/battery systems with additional storage

In essence, your EV becomes a secondary home battery.

✅ What’s the Status in Australia?

✔️ V2H – Closer to Reality

V2H is technically possible in Australia, particularly in off-grid or backup scenarios. Some early adopters and pilot programs are already testing it.

  • The most common example:
    Nissan Leaf + Wallbox Quasar or Quasar 2 (CHAdeMO connection)

  • Companies like JetCharge are running trial programs for residential bidirectional charging.

  • However, the hardware must meet Australian electrical standards, including AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 4777, and only a few products are certified or permitted under exemptions.

  • Limitations:

    • Very few EVs support bidirectional charging.

    • CCS2 vehicles (like Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, Polestar) do not yet support V2H — though this may change soon with updates to the ISO 15118 standard.

⚠️ V2G – Still in Early Stages

V2G is a more complex proposition, as it involves connecting to the grid itself — not just your home. As of mid-2025:

  • V2G is not yet broadly approved for residential or commercial use.

  • A few trial programs exist, often in partnership with energy providers or state governments.

  • Only specific combinations of EVs and chargers are being tested — again, typically Nissan Leaf + CHAdeMO setup.

  • Widespread rollout depends on:

    • Certification of V2G-capable chargers

    • Grid approval from DNSPs (Distribution Network Service Providers)

    • Policy and standards updates still in development

⚙️ What About V2L (Vehicle-to-Load)?

An increasingly popular alternative already in use is V2L, where your EV can power small appliances directly (e.g. kettles, laptops, camping gear).
V2L is available in many newer EVs (like Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6) and doesn’t require certification — but it can’t power your entire home or connect to the grid.

🧠 Final Thoughts

  • V2H is technically feasible today in Australia but limited to niche setups, trial programs, and certain EV models.

  • V2G is still in the pilot phase, awaiting broader regulatory approval and infrastructure readiness.

  • Both technologies offer exciting possibilities, but we're likely 1–3 years away from large-scale adoption.

🔋 We Can Help

At Future Charging Solutions, we stay on top of the latest EV charging technologies — including bidirectional charging. Whether you're planning an installation today or preparing for future V2G/V2H capability, we can help you design a solution that's smart, scalable, and standards-compliant.

📩 Get in touch via Landline (1300 490 128) , Mobile ( 0483 918 102) or Email (enquiry@futurecharging.com.au) to learn more about these chargers or for upcoming bidirectional pilot programs.

Guest User
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