Energy News
Origin Energy Set To Launch V2G Trial In 2026
The rising popularity of V2G has led a major retailer to begin trialling its new program
Important Points
-
Origin Energy is launching Australia’s first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) subscription trial in 2026, in partnership with BYD and StarCharge.
-
The trial will bundle an EV, a bi-directional charger, and a smart energy tariff into one subscription, making V2G more accessible to households.
-
Up to 50 participants will receive a BYD Atto 3 and StarCharge V2G Halo charger, with automated charging and discharging based on grid conditions.
-
The program will test how EVs can return energy to the grid during peak times, effectively turning cars into mobile batteries.
Origin Energy, in collaboration with BYD and StarCharge, is set to launch Australia’s first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) electric vehicle subscription trial in 2026.
The initiative combines EV access, a bi-directional charger, and a smart energy tariff into a single subscription product, giving trial participants the ability to return power from their vehicle to the grid.
What the Trial Offers – and How It Works
Up to 50 eligible participants will receive a BYD Atto 3 EV and a StarCharge V2G Halo charger, bundled with a smart tariff that includes free home charging for eligible kilometres.
The V2G charger allows energy to flow not only from the grid to the car, but back into the grid during peak periods, effectively turning an EV into a mobile battery.
Charging and discharging will be automated according to grid conditions and tariffs, managed through Origin’s existing energy systems.
The subscription is expected to be under AUD $800/month after tax benefits, with flexible month-to-month terms designed to accommodate salary packaging and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) mechanisms.
Origin sees the trial as not just a technology test but a real consumer offer: making V2G accessible to residents without large upfront costs for EVs or chargers.
1Grid Flexibility, Consumer Value & EV Ecosystems
Turning electric vehicles into renewable assets
One of the biggest advantages of V2G is enabling electric vehicles to act like energy storage units, helping balance supply and demand on the main grid, especially during periods of high demand or when renewable generation dips.
Potential savings for consumers
EV owners may offset parts of their electricity bills when they export excess energy they produce from their solar systems. Early modelling suggests that the value could challenge traditional fuel cost savings.
Testing consumer behaviour & technical risk
Trials like this help test battery impact (e.g. degradation), consumer willingness to share energy, and how well bi-directional systems integrate with the existing infrastructure.
Australia is catching up with global V2G momentum
Globally, V2G is already being trialled and commercialised in markets like Europe and Japan. Australia’s late but accelerating moves via Origin, AGL, and network operators indicate increasing confidence in its viability and popularity.
2What Other Retailers Are Doing
AGL, another major retailer, has launched its own “batteries on wheels” trial in collaboration with EV manufacturers including BYD, Hyundai, Kia, and Zeekr.
Participants will receive discounted bi-directional chargers and test how EVs can deliver grid services back to households and utilities.
These parallel trials reflect Australia’s growing interest in V2G technology. Additionally, not only as consumers of energy but also as potential distributed storage assets to support the renewable energy transition.
The Challenges & Risks to Watch
-
Battery degradation – One concern is whether frequent charging and discharging will shorten battery life. Proponents argue that V2G draw is mild compared to driving loads, but long-term data and additional trials are needed.
-
Warranty and manufacturer support – Automakers must explicitly permit V2G operation without voiding warranties or limiting battery throughput. That remains a major barrier for mass adoption.
-
Regulatory and technical alignment – Grid rules, charger standards, and energy markets must align to support bi-directional flows safely and fairly. Australia’s release of V2G standards in 2024 addressed part of this challenge.
-
Consumer acceptance – Will EV owners accept their cars being used as grid assets? The business models, incentives, and trust mechanisms will be vital.
What Comes Next?
Origin and AGL’s trials are scheduled to begin in 2026. The results will inform future commercial offerings, tariff structures, and the scaling of V2G across the Australian National Electricity Market.
If successful, V2G could accelerate EV uptake, reduce grid stress during high demand periods, and create new value streams for households beyond your typical charging savings.
Needless to say, V2G is entering a pivotal stage in its development and rollout. The next few years will be indicative of how mainstream it becomes.
Author
Benjamin TomBenjamin is a utility specialist passionate about creating informative content about the energy, internet, and solar markets. With extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, Benjamin drives our unique blog posts, articles, and reviews. He is focused on breaking down the technical jargon so our readers can better understand the telco market and industry. Whether he is comparing the latest internet deals or creating unique guides, Benjamin takes great pride in creating helpful, easy-to-read content.
