Australia's V2G Pilot Just Got Bigger — Here's Why It Matters
The federal government is expanding Amber's V2G pilot to 1,000+ EVs, with BYD leading the charge. Here's what it means if you're considering a novated lease.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology lets your EV do something most people haven't thought about: send electricity back to the grid — or your home — when you're not driving. That's genuinely useful. And according to The Driven, the federal government has just injected funding to scale Amber's V2G pilot from a handful of vehicles to more than 1,000.
The catch? So far, only BYD has stepped forward to offer its vehicles for the expanded program. That makes this both a milestone for Australian EV policy and a pointed signal about which manufacturers are actually ready to back V2G in practice.
What this means for novated lease customers
If you're weighing up an EV on a novated lease, the V2G expansion is worth paying attention to — not because it changes the tax treatment, but because it shifts the long-term value calculation.
BYD models compatible with V2G — like the Atto 3 and Seal — are already FBT-exempt under the current electric vehicle FBT exemption, meaning PAYG employees can package one through a novated lease and reduce their taxable income. Layer a future V2G arrangement on top, and the vehicle has potential to offset some running costs by exporting energy during peak periods. That's a qualitative upside the headline lease saving doesn't even capture.
It's early days. The pilot is still being stood up, and real-world V2G billing through a platform like Amber will take time to become mainstream. But if you're choosing between EV models right now, V2G readiness is a reasonable tie-breaker — and BYD currently has a head start in Australia.
Common questions
What is V2G and why does it matter for EV owners?
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) allows a compatible EV to discharge stored energy back to the electricity grid or your home. During high-price periods, this can reduce your net energy costs — effectively making your car a mobile battery.
Which EVs currently support V2G in Australia?
Based on the current Amber pilot expansion, BYD is the only manufacturer that has formally offered vehicles for the program. V2G compatibility depends on both the car's hardware and the charging equipment installed at your home.
Does V2G affect the FBT exemption on my novated lease?
The FBT exemption for eligible EVs is based on the vehicle type and its cost, not on how you use it when parked. Exporting energy via V2G does not change your eligibility for the exemption, but tax rules can change — always confirm with your employer and a tax adviser.
Can I novated lease a BYD and participate in a V2G scheme?
In principle, yes — novated leasing covers the vehicle and its running costs, while a V2G arrangement is a separate agreement with an energy retailer like Amber. The two aren't mutually exclusive, though you should check whether your novated lease agreement has any restrictions on third-party energy programs.
Is the federal government's V2G funding locked in?
The funding boost reported by The Driven is targeted at scaling the Amber pilot to over 1,000 vehicles. Policy specifics, eligibility, and rollout timelines are subject to government confirmation — check official sources as the program develops.