Australia's V2G Pilot Just Got a Government Boost — What It Means for EV Drivers
The federal government is supercharging Amber's V2G pilot to 1,000 EVs. Here's what vehicle-to-grid means for novated lease EV drivers in plain English.
The federal government has injected fresh funding into Amber's vehicle-to-grid (V2G) pilot, scaling it from a handful of test vehicles to more than 1,000 EVs, according to a report by The Driven [Source 1]. The idea is straightforward: your EV battery doesn't just consume electricity from the grid — it can push power back into it when demand spikes, potentially earning you a credit in the process.
There's a catch worth noting. As of the time of reporting, only BYD has confirmed its vehicles will participate in the expanded pilot. That's a meaningful limitation — it means if you're considering a Hyundai IONIQ 6, Tesla Model 3, or any other popular novated lease EV, you may be on the sidelines for now.
What this means for novated lease customers
If you're currently in — or considering — a novated lease on an EV, V2G is worth understanding even if you can't access it today. Here's why it matters:
The EV you choose now could be V2G-capable later. BYD models like the Atto 3 and Seal are already eligible for the FBT exemption on novated leases and are now first in line for V2G participation. Picking a V2G-ready vehicle through your novated lease could mean genuine energy bill offsets down the track — on top of the tax savings you're already capturing.
V2G doesn't change how novated leasing works today. Your pre-tax salary packaging, FBT exemption eligibility, and running cost bundling all remain the same. V2G is a potential future benefit layered on top — not a reason to wait. The FBT exemption for eligible zero-emission vehicles remains in place, and locking in now means you start capturing those savings immediately rather than sitting on the sidelines waiting for infrastructure to mature.
Common questions
What is vehicle-to-grid (V2G)?
V2G technology allows a compatible EV to discharge electricity stored in its battery back to the power grid. In a home or pilot context, this can earn the vehicle owner credits when energy prices are high, effectively turning your car into a small power station when it's parked.
Which EVs are currently eligible for the Amber V2G pilot?
As of the May 2026 reporting by The Driven, only BYD has confirmed vehicle participation in the expanded 1,000-EV pilot. Other brands may join over time, but nothing has been confirmed publicly yet.
Does V2G affect my novated lease FBT exemption?
No. The FBT exemption for eligible zero-emission vehicles is based on the type of vehicle and its use — V2G participation doesn't alter your lease structure or tax treatment. Any energy credits you earn through V2G would sit outside the lease arrangement entirely.
Should I wait for V2G before getting an EV on a novated lease?
That's a personal call, but the tax benefits of a novated lease on an eligible EV are available right now. V2G is an emerging layer of benefit — waiting for it means forgoing salary packaging savings in the meantime, which rarely makes financial sense.
Is BYD a good choice for a novated lease?
BYD models like the Atto 3 and Seal are eligible for the FBT exemption on novated leases and are competitively priced. Being first to join a government-backed V2G pilot adds a future-proofing angle, though it shouldn't be the sole reason you choose a vehicle.