Australia's V2G Pilot Is Scaling Up — Here's Why It Matters
The federal government is funding Amber's V2G pilot to 1,000+ EVs. We break down what vehicle-to-grid means for novated lease EV drivers. Read more.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology lets your electric vehicle push power back into the grid — and potentially earn you money while it sits in the driveway. It's been talked about for years. Now, according to a May 2026 report from The Driven [Source 1], the federal government has stepped in with funding to scale Amber's V2G pilot to more than 1,000 EVs.
The catch? So far, only BYD has confirmed its vehicles will participate. That's a notable detail if you're in the market for an EV and wondering whether V2G capability should influence which model you choose.
What this means for novated lease customers
If you're considering a novated lease on a new EV, V2G readiness is worth adding to your checklist — even if it isn't something you'll use on day one. Here's the practical read:
BYD is currently the only confirmed V2G-capable brand in this pilot. Models like the BYD Atto 3 and BYD Seal are already popular choices for novated leasing, partly because they qualify for the FBT exemption on eligible zero-emissions vehicles. V2G capability is an additional reason to look at them seriously.
For everyone else — Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, MG, and others — V2G support is either not confirmed in this pilot or depends on future software and hardware updates. That doesn't make those cars a bad choice, but it's honest context you deserve before signing a three-to-five year lease.
The broader point is that the federal government is putting real money behind grid-connected EVs. That signals longer-term policy support for the EV ecosystem in Australia — which is relevant context when you're committing to a multi-year novated lease arrangement. Potential savings from running an EV on a novated lease are already material; V2G could add another income layer down the track, though that's speculative at this stage.
Common questions
What is V2G and why does it matter for EV owners?
V2G (vehicle-to-grid) allows a compatible EV to discharge stored energy back to the electricity grid or your home. In theory, this can offset your energy costs or generate a small income during peak demand periods. It requires both a compatible vehicle and a compatible charger.
Does the FBT exemption still apply to BYD vehicles on a novated lease?
Eligible zero-emissions vehicles — including qualifying BYD models — currently benefit from the FBT exemption for novated leases, subject to the vehicle's value sitting below the luxury car tax threshold. You should confirm eligibility for the specific model and model year with your novated lease provider before proceeding.
Will my novated lease cover home charging hardware needed for V2G?
Some novated lease packages allow charging equipment to be bundled into the arrangement, but V2G-capable chargers are a specific product category. Talk to your provider about what hardware is eligible under your lease structure.
Is this pilot available to all Australians, or just certain states?
The Driven's report does not specify geographic restrictions on the expanded pilot. As details emerge, eligibility criteria may narrow by state or network operator. Check Amber's website directly for participation requirements.
Should I wait for V2G before getting a novated lease on an EV?
That's a personal call, but waiting for emerging technology in a multi-year product cycle rarely pays off. The tax and cash-flow benefits of novated leasing on an eligible EV are available now — V2G is a potential future bonus, not a reason to delay.