Electricity transmission through vehicles: An Australian network engineer experiments with a Geely EX5, presenting a sneak peek into the future technology of vehicle-to-grid energy transfer.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows electric vehicles (EVs) to store and distribute excess energy, is gaining traction in Australia. One of the pioneers in this space is the Geely EX5, as demonstrated by Scott Purnell, an innovation technology specialist at Essential Energy.
Purnell, who is also using his Geely electric car for V2G discharge, has successfully run his home for 37 hours with minimal reliance on the grid, relying mainly on the stored energy in his EV. He has configured his vehicle to stop discharging once the battery reached 60% and to limit the discharge rate to 3kW.
The V2G system, supported by a Sigenergy system, is not only capable of topping up Purnell's household battery but also exporting power to the grid. During a high voltage event on the grid, the Sigenergy system automatically disconnected the house from the network to protect the system.
Essential Energy views V2G as a huge step forward in the energy transition. Brad Tretheway, the head of innovation at Essential Energy, stated that anyone with a Sigenergy system in the Essential Energy network can access V2G with the software rollout. He also emphasised that employees are just as excited about new technology as the company is, and some are trying out the technology at home with their own systems and vehicles.
The main barrier to widespread V2G adoption is vehicle warranties, according to Tretheway. However, Essential Energy is ready to host V2G charging across its networks, but is waiting for car manufacturers to approve and make their cars compatible.
The success of the Geely EX5 in V2G trials is a significant step forward for the technology in Australia. In fact, Australia’s V2G rollout now supports major EV brands including Geely, Tesla, BYD, and Xpeng, confirming compatibility of Geely vehicles like the EX5 with V2G systems.
The technology allows EV batteries to act as mobile energy assets, feeding excess power during peak times and recharging during off-peak periods. While challenges remain with currently scarce and expensive bidirectional chargers as well as network integration, government and industry initiatives aim to scale the technology, including rebate programs and national roadmaps for bidirectional charging.
Purnell's experience with the V2G technology demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of V2G within Australia's accelerating energy transition. By shifting from being a passive consumer to an active participant in energy management, he is not only reducing his carbon footprint but also contributing to grid stability. The V2G setup is more than just a backup; it's a glimpse into the future of energy resilience and smart home integration.
In essence, the successful implementation of V2G technology with the Geely EX5 is a promising sign for the future of Australia's energy landscape. With more people adopting V2G technology, not only will homes become more energy-independent, but the grid will also become more stable and sustainable.
[1] Ausgrid's launch of V2G in July 2025 enables EVs to discharge energy back into the grid, creating income opportunities for EV owners and helping to balance peak demand on the electricity network. [2] Giles Parkinson is the founder and editor of The Driven, Renew Economy, and One Step Off The Grid, and owns a Tesla Model 3. [3] Challenges remain with currently scarce and expensive bidirectional chargers as well as network integration, but government and industry initiatives aim to scale the technology, including rebate programs and national roadmaps for bidirectional charging. [4] Australia’s V2G rollout now supports major EV brands including Geely, Tesla, BYD, and Xpeng, confirming compatibility of Geely vehicles like the EX5 with V2G systems. [5] The technology allows EV batteries to act as mobile energy assets, feeding excess power during peak times and recharging during off-peak periods.
- The success of the Geely EX5 in V2G trials is not only a significant step for the technology in Australia but also opens income opportunities for electric vehicle (EV) owners through Ausgrid's V2G launch in July 2025.
- Giles Parkinson, the founder and editor of The Driven, Renew Economy, and One Step Off The Grid, who owns a Tesla Model 3, is another individual demonstrating the potential of V2G technology in everyday lifestyles.
- Despite the challenges of currently scarce and expensive bidirectional chargers and network integration, industry and government initiatives are working to scale V2G technology by implementing rebate programs and national roadmaps for bidirectional charging.
- Compatible with major EV brands including Geely, Tesla, BYD, and Xpeng, the Geely EX5 is among the electric vehicles now supported by Australia’s expanding V2G rollout.
