Bi-directional charging of electric vehicles (EVs) is set to be included in Australia’s climate agenda for COP31. This is due to advocacy from the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) of Australia. RAA is positioning Australia with the hope that they will be able to host the summit in South Australia. Currently, they are championing for the decarbonization of the Australian economy and V2G (Vehicle to Grid) regulations to make consumers more empowered.
Benefits of Bi-Directional Charging
Bi-directional charging is the V2G (Vehicle to Grid) technology that allows EVs to be charged and then the power stored in the vehicle can be discharged to homes or the power grid. This innovation allows for cheaper energy access and even for the powering of homes during power outages. This technology is more efficient, since the batteries in EVs can power a home for days when fully charged and can even power home during peak national demand. Bi-directional charging can lessen the EV owners power bills by hundreds of dollars every month.
RAA’s COP31 Agenda Push
RAA’s representatives have outlined the need to make this technology mandatory and to call for governments to accommodate the required supportive structure and standards. The association thinks Australia should catch up to Japan and the UK, both of which have deployed V2G systems. Shortly before COP31, RAA completed South Australia’s first residential installation incorporating solar panels and batteries integrated with bi-directional EV charging, allowing homeowners to host ‘energy auctions’ and contract their stored energy for sale during high-rate periods.
Benefits and Opportunities for Australians
The potential advantages for mandating bi-directional charging for Australians and the energy system as a whole are transformational. Australian families will save more on their electricity bills, and whole communities will have contingency power during outages. V2G technology will fundamentally reduce Australia’s dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to the nation’s energy goals for 2030 from the V2G system installed as a bi-directional charger. ARENA’s roadmap signals the next steps on smart grid maturity, interoperability standards, and national policy frameworks that will shape the benefits to consumers and accelerate emissions reduction.
REGULATORY AND INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES
For bi-directional EV switching systems to be common place in Australia, several challenges must be overcome. Cost and compatibility issues, especially for upgrades to EV home and public charging systems, must be addressed. There are still EVs on the market that are not compatible and charging systems not agreed to in the initial purchase contracts. There still needs to be development of the regulatory systems, tariff reform, and pricing allocation for the roadmap items that are scheduled to begin in the year 2026. There is still some engagement from stakeholders on these issues which are scheduled for consultation in 2025.
LOOKING AHEAD: COP 31’S IMPACT
For Australia, COP31 is also an opportunity to position the country in the transition to consumer-driven energy transition market. It is the responsibility of policymakers and players in the industry, as well as the general public, to ensure that the proposed new COP31 standards are practical and deliver on accessibility, affordability and environmental sustainability. It may also provide the opportunity for COP31 to drive the expected pace of regulatory reform in Australia and the world for policies governing clean transport.
Very Short Data Table of Proposed Regulatory Form
| Field | Example Entry |
|---|---|
| Proposed Rule | Mandate bi-directional charging |
| Lead Advocate | RAA |
| Target Technology | V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) |
| Implementation Deadline | Post-COP31 Roadmap |
FAQs
Q1. WHAT IS BIDIRECTIONAL EV CHARGING?
BIDIRECTIONAL EV CHARGING IS A SYSTEM WHERE EV BATTERIES CAN BE CHARGED AND DISCHARGED, HOLDING POWER FOR THE HOME OR OFFICE SPACE.
Q2. WHY IS RAA PUSHING THIS REGULATION?
The RAA’s objectives are to promote the stabilisation of the Australian electricity grid, assist in the energy transition, and also provide consumers with cost savings.
Q3. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF MANDATING BIDIRECTIONAL CHARGING?
The implementation of bidirectional charging systems for EVs includes unaffordable systems, consumer reluctance to new technology, and the current EV not having systems that support bidirection charging.
