BMW Pioneers Vehicle-to-Grid Technology, Australian Trials Coming in 2026
BMW has become the first car brand to publicly confirm its readiness for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, joining a US grid reliability program. Meanwhile, Australian energy companies are gearing up for a wave of V2G trials starting in 2026, promising potential savings and additional income for electric vehicle (EV) owners.
V2G technology enables EVs to act as temporary power stations, feeding energy from their batteries into the grid or a home during peak demand. Amber Electric's $8.4 million trial with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency has shown that almost every EV on the road today is capable of this.
Two major energy retailers, Origin Energy and AGL, have announced V2G trials starting in 2026. Origin will use BYD Atto 3 SUVs and StarCharge equipment, while AGL has partnered with Kia, Hyundai, Zeekr, and BYD, with these brands extending their battery warranties to support the trial. Participants in Amber's trial can earn between $2000 and $3000 a year by selling electricity back to the grid.
Getting the commercial offering right will be crucial for these trials. AGL's trial will offer discounted bi-directional chargers to 50 customers and recruit an additional 50 participants to use their own equipment. The goal is to make V2G technology accessible and appealing to consumers.
With BMW leading the way in public commitment to V2G technology and multiple energy companies planning trials, 2026 could see V2G becoming a common feature in many households. This could significantly cut electricity bills and potentially turn EV ownership into a side hustle.
