Australia's V2G Pilot Just Got a Lot Bigger — Here's Why It Matters
The federal government is scaling Amber's V2G pilot to 1,000+ EVs. We break down what vehicle-to-grid means for novated lease drivers. Read more.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology lets your EV do something most people haven't thought about yet: send electricity back to the grid — or your home — when you're not driving. It turns your car into a battery on wheels, and depending on energy prices, that can offset running costs in ways a petrol car never could.
According to reporting by The Driven (Source 1), the federal government has backed Amber's V2G pilot to scale beyond 1,000 EVs — a landmark expansion. There's one notable catch: so far, only BYD has put its hand up to supply compatible vehicles for the program. That's worth paying attention to if you're choosing a novated lease EV right now.
What this means for novated lease customers
If you're considering a novated lease on an EV, V2G capability is quickly becoming a spec worth asking about — not just a tech novelty. Here's the practical read:
BYD's positioning matters. With BYD currently the only manufacturer confirmed in the pilot, models like the Atto 3, Seal, and Shark ute are sitting in an interesting spot. V2G-capable vehicles could carry real-world energy value beyond the car itself — potential savings on household electricity aren't captured in a standard vehicle comparison.
The FBT-exempt EV list and V2G are converging. Many BYD models already sit under the luxury car tax threshold and benefit from the federal EV FBT exemption, meaning employees salary-packaging one of these vehicles are already reducing taxable income. Add V2G potential on top, and the total cost-of-ownership story gets more compelling — though specific figures depend heavily on your individual circumstances, energy provider, and usage pattern. Talk to us before assuming numbers.
Don't over-rotate on pilot news. This is a government-backed pilot, not a rolled-out product. V2G hardware, compatible chargers, and retailer support are still maturing in Australia. It's a genuine signal about where things are heading — not a reason to rush a lease decision today.
Common questions
What is V2G and why does it matter for EV owners?
V2G stands for vehicle-to-grid. It allows a compatible EV to discharge stored electricity back to the grid or your home during peak times. For EV owners, this can potentially reduce household energy bills and is being trialled in Australia with government support.
Which EVs are V2G compatible in Australia right now?
As of the Amber pilot expansion reported in May 2026, BYD is the only manufacturer publicly confirmed to be supplying V2G-compatible vehicles. Other manufacturers may follow, but confirmed compatibility is limited at this stage.
Can I get a BYD on a novated lease?
Yes. Several BYD models are eligible for novated leasing and currently sit under the luxury car tax threshold, making them potentially eligible for the federal EV FBT exemption. Eligibility depends on your employer's salary packaging arrangements and the specific vehicle.
Does V2G capability affect how a novated lease is structured?
Not directly — the lease structure itself doesn't change based on V2G. However, V2G could affect your total cost of ownership over the lease term if energy export revenue or home energy savings are factored in, which is worth discussing with an adviser.
Should I wait for V2G to be mainstream before leasing an EV?
That depends on your situation. V2G is promising but still in pilot phase in Australia. If a V2G-capable vehicle also ticks your other boxes — price, range, FBT eligibility — there's no reason to wait. If V2G is the primary driver of your decision, give it another 12–24 months to mature.