Australia’s largest electricity distributor has successfully connected a working V2G system to its network at a depot in Artarmon, Sydney. Source: Ausgrid

Electricity providers say vehicle-to-grid (V2G) connections will revolutionise how Australia produces and uses energy, eventually allowing electric vehicles (EVs) to power homes during outages and even earn their owners extra income.

Now, those capabilities are moving closer to the mainstream, as infrastructure begins to catch up with innovation.

In recent months, EV owners have shared how they’ve used V2G and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) set-ups — both of which involve the two-way flow of energy between EVs, homes and the grid. Early adopters have successfully powered not only appliances and other vehicles but, in one case, even an entire school’s server room.

This month, Ausgrid — Australia’s largest electricity distributor, serving more than four million people across New South Wales — announced it had successfully connected a working V2G system to its network at a depot in Artarmon, Sydney.

It’s a major milestone proving the technology is now safe and viable at the distributor level, and while it doesn’t mean every customer can use it immediately, it confirms V2G is a live, proven option — and Ausgrid is now working to prepare its broader network for future rollout.

Speaking to Yahoo News, Nick Black, Head of Ausgrid's EVC and Infrastructure Development, said several suppliers will have V2G chargers available in the Australian market over the coming months, with competition expected to increase considerably. "Any Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved equipment may be installed by customers using an accredited service provider (ASP)," he said.

"For a customer who is able to install a charger at home, the added V2G capability can give them an additional revenue stream and is another reason to purchase an electric vehicle."

The V2G milestone confirms that V2G is a live, proven option. Source: Ausgrid

How can V2G connections save customers money?

Right now, only certain chargers can be used in Ausgrid's network — either ones that are officially certified by the Clean Energy Council (CEC), or ones that meet Australian safety standards and have been approved by Ausgrid. Each energy distributor is different in what they allow

If a charger meets those rules and the installer is properly qualified, then it can be safely set up.

"Eventually, V2G equipment will be CEC approved and then available for any customer to apply," he said. "Ausgrid can approve devices that have an AS1477.2 [charger] for connection to its network."

Black said there was serious financial potential when it comes to V2G for everyday Australians. He explained that Australia already has a strong retail energy market, which means there are real money-saving opportunities for people who use V2G smartly.

For example, if a customer charges their EV during the day using cheap solar power and then discharges that energy back to the grid during the expensive evening peak, they can earn money or reduce their power bills.

Amber Electric recently claimed a customer earned $255 in a single day alone in June, exporting power at peak prices, charging when electricity was cheap. "That $255.08 was earned by a single EV at one location, in one evening, using the StarCharge charger," an Amber spokesperson told Yahoo.

Hobart-based IT manager Matthew Taylor said he powered the school where he work's server room during a planned outage, using his BYD. Source: Supplied

Are there any risks?

Ross De Rango, Head of Energy and Infrastructure at the Australian Electric Vehicle Council, agreed the tech could be transformative. He said while useful, V2G must be used responsibly and only after drivers research how to do it safely first.

"The amount of battery storage that will ultimately exist in the batteries in our cars will dwarf all other forms of grid-connected storage," he said. "Unlocking V2G will drive down energy costs for everyone (not just the EV drivers), enable us to close coal and gas-fired power stations sooner, and make our energy system more reliable and resilient."

But, one of the country's leading mechanics warned of just how much is at stake if a person doesn't know what they're doing. Canberra-based mechanic Saffy Sgroi said "safety is the number one concern" when it comes to V2V charging.

"We're talking about working with a huge battery here," she said. "You've got 400 kilowatts of battery running — they can fry you. If you do the wrong thing, you're gone."

A BYD owner recently boasted about charging his kettle with his car, while on a road trip and away from a traditional power source. Source: Facebook

What's next?

Addressing potential safety concerns when it comes to the emerging tech, Black said Ausgrid has focused intensely on the installation process to ensure the "V2G charger does not present a hazard" to workers or customers.

"Manufacturers have been testing to ensure that they are confident in using V2G for specific EV models," he said. "Ultimately, the vehicle's battery management system will protect the battery, and the power levels for V2G are much more gentle than driving a vehicle or fast charging it," he said.

Head of Customer Connections at Ausgrid, Fatima Bazzi, branded the announcement a "game-changer".

"We are excited to see how this technology will enable our customers to take a more active role in the energy ecosystem, turning their electric vehicles into a valuable resource that can support their homes and earn them income," she said.

"This means we can better manage network stress, improve overall grid performance, and potentially defer costly infrastructure upgrades, ultimately benefiting all our customers."

This article originally appeared on Yahoo News Australia at https://au.news.yahoo.com/major-change-to-how-you-run-your-car-that-could-save-aussie-drivers-250-a-day-074125916.html