Plug, Charge, Repeat: EVs Poised to Power the Grid

CSIRO trial proves CCS2 EVs can feed power to the grid, hinting at a new energy frontier

21 Nov 2025

Australia has taken a step towards broader vehicle-to-grid use after a CSIRO and Essential Energy study showed that electric vehicles fitted with the CCS2 charging plug can draw and discharge power in a controlled test environment.

The research, conducted at the Port Macquarie Innovation Hub, marks the first time the country’s dominant charging standard has been shown to support two-way electricity flows. Earlier trials relied on older plug types with limited relevance for Australia’s fast-growing CCS2 fleet.

CSIRO said the study suggests that vehicles already on the road could, in time, help stabilise local grids if operators apply suitable controls and safeguards. Essential Energy said the findings strengthened its interest in expanding pilot programmes, although it stressed that further testing and regulatory work would be needed before commercial deployment.

The results arrive as Australia’s electricity system faces rising demand, driven by population growth, electrification of homes and businesses, and the slow retirement of ageing coal plants. Allowing EVs to act as flexible storage could help smooth peaks in usage and support regions with limited capacity.

Companies in the charging sector have begun assessing potential implications. StarCharge and other equipment providers see scope for new services, including home energy systems that integrate rooftop solar with stored power in EV batteries. Several energy retailers are exploring future offerings that would treat EVs as mobile storage units, creating fresh revenue streams in a competitive market.

Analysts say the progress could prompt partnerships between utilities, network operators and charging groups, particularly as firms prepare for wider electrification across households and transport. But they also caution that technical and policy hurdles remain. Battery wear must be monitored and managed, regional grids may require upgrades, and regulators continue to examine issues related to standards, pricing models and data protections.

Australia is expanding its public charging network and offering financial incentives to accelerate EV adoption. The new research indicates that, with further development, vehicles could eventually support not only drivers but also homes, businesses and the wider power system.

While commercial use of vehicle-to-grid technologies remains some distance away, the trial offers a clearer pathway for industry and policymakers as they assess how EVs may contribute to the country’s long-term energy transition.