The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has released a national roadmap for bidirectional EV charging.

The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) states that the roadmap enables EVs to connect to the grid as a crucial step towards lowering power bills and stabilising the grid.

EVC chief executive Julie Delvecchio says the roadmap has the potential to provide economic and energy system benefits, though coordinated action is required to fulfil its potential.

“This national roadmap for bidirectional EV charging is a landmark piece of work,” she says.

“The EVC congratulates the government and encourages it to consider the recommendations in the report calling for time-limited rebates for installations, support manufacturers homologating products to our market and work on communication and awareness of the benefits of bidirectional change.”

Julie says that the Australian solar energy creates opportunities for EVs to store excess daytime generation and discharge it to the grid when needed.

“Bidirectional EV charging is one of the keys to unlocking lower energy prices for everyone, not just the EV drivers and to provide reliable electricity,” she says.

“EVs can keep the lights on, the barbeque running, the music playing as we go about our lives across the country and they can store and share energy to support homes, businesses and the grid.”