Australia's V2G Pilot Is Scaling Up — Here's Why It Matters for EV Drivers
The federal government is funding a 1,000-EV vehicle-to-grid pilot with Amber. If you're considering a novated EV lease, here's what this means for you.
The federal government has injected fresh funding into Amber's vehicle-to-grid (V2G) pilot, scaling it from a small trial to more than 1,000 EVs, according to The Driven. V2G technology lets a compatible EV push stored electricity back into the grid — or your home — during peak periods, potentially offsetting your energy costs.
There's a catch worth flagging: as of the report, only BYD has confirmed it will make vehicles available for the pilot. That's a meaningful limitation. If you're eyeing a different EV brand, you're not in this trial — at least not yet. The technology is real, the intent is there, but the ecosystem is still being built.
What this means for novated lease customers
If you're using a novated lease to pick up an EV — which already removes FBT on eligible battery electric vehicles under current legislation — V2G adds a second layer of potential value over time. An EV that can earn you money by feeding power back to the grid or reducing your home energy bill is a different financial proposition than one that just sits in the driveway.
For now, the practical upside is limited to BYD owners willing to join Amber's trial. But the government funding signal matters: it tells you that V2G is being treated as real infrastructure policy, not a curiosity. That's relevant when you're choosing a vehicle you'll be driving for three to five years on a novated arrangement. Picking a V2G-capable vehicle today could be a meaningful decision by the time your lease rolls over.
As always, the vehicle choice is yours. millarX's job is to structure the lease correctly and make sure you're not leaving tax savings on the table — the energy economics on top of that are a bonus worth watching.
Common questions
Does V2G affect my novated lease or FBT exemption?
Not directly. The FBT exemption for eligible battery electric vehicles is based on the vehicle type and how the lease is structured, not how you use the battery. Any income or credits from V2G participation would be a separate matter — speak to a tax adviser about how that might interact with your personal tax position.
Which EVs currently support V2G in Australia?
As of the Amber pilot announcement, BYD is the only brand confirmed to be participating. V2G requires both a compatible vehicle and a bidirectional charger — it's not available across all EV makes and models yet.
Should I choose a BYD just to access V2G?
Only if BYD makes sense for your situation on its own merits. V2G is a promising add-on, but the pilot is still early-stage. Don't let one emerging feature drive a three-to-five-year financial commitment — get the full picture first.
Can I get a BYD on a novated lease?
Yes, eligible BYD battery electric vehicles can be structured under a novated lease and may qualify for the FBT exemption. Talk to millarX to confirm the specific model and check current eligibility.
What is Amber and how does V2G work with it?
Amber is an Australian energy retailer that exposes customers to real-time wholesale electricity prices. V2G lets a compatible EV discharge stored energy back to the grid through Amber's platform when prices are high, potentially generating credits for the vehicle owner.