EV terms, in plain English
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
Can send power back to the electricity grid, usually via approved gear and a program — still uncommon for everyday buyers in Australia.
V2G can send power back to the electricity grid, usually via approved gear and a program. In Australia this is rare — mostly trials and early programs, not something everyday buyers should count on.
That’s a grid / energy-program feature — not a camping outlet (V2L) and not the same as backing up your house (V2H). V2L ≠ V2H ≠ V2G. And it isn’t towing.
It depends on the vehicle, approved bidirectional charging equipment, and whether a local scheme exists. Don’t buy an EV mainly for V2G unless you’ve confirmed a real program you can join. Check this car — don’t assume a brand.
In future, compatible setups might charge when electricity is cheap or solar is plentiful, then export when it’s more valuable — but that remains program- and network-dependent. Don’t treat “could change the economics” as a reason to buy today.
Good to know
- Different from V2L and V2H.
- In Australia this is mostly trials/pilots and early demos — not a default retail scheme you join at delivery.
- Needs approved gear + program rules.
- Don’t name a specific retailer program as widely available unless re-verified that week.
- Our catalogue does not currently flag V2G — we won’t invent it on cards.
V2G is rare for most Australian buyers today. ShortlistEV’s catalogue does **not** currently flag V2G — we won’t invent it on cards. Explained for clarity — not as a must-have.
Why it matters: Confirm exactly what the vehicle and available charging equipment currently support in Australia. Don’t buy on a promise of future V2G alone.
Towing is a different topic — see Towing with an EV.
Ready to narrow it down? Tell us what matters and we’ll shortlist up to three EVs that fit.