Duration: April - September 2026
Project lead: Heather Logie, Co-Director, ANU Centre for Energy Systems
Partner: Ausnet
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming part of Australian households, but their potential contribution to the energy system remains largely untapped. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) - or bidirectional - technology enables EV batteries to do more than store energy for driving - they can supply electricity back to the home or the grid during peak demand periods. Despite this promise, almost nothing is known about whether Australian EV owners would actually adopt V2X, what would motivate them to do so, or what barriers - practical, financial, or behavioural - might stand in the way. Without this understanding, programs and infrastructure designed to unlock V2X cannot be effectively targeted or communicated.
This project directly addresses that knowledge gap by engaging EV owners in structured conversation. ANU researchers are conducting online focus groups with EV owners and users to explore attitudes toward V2X / bidirectional charging in depth. Participants will discuss what would encourage them to adopt V2X technology and what concerns they hold, including equipment costs, potential effects on battery life, everyday convenience, and compatibility with their routines.
The project is funded by AusNet, the distribution network operator covering a large part of Victoria, which brings direct industry relevance and a clear pathway for findings to shape real-world programs and customer communications. ACES brings expertise in socio-technical energy systems research and participatory methodology, ensuring the study captures not just individual preferences but the broader social and institutional context shaping EV adoption and V2G deployment.
The project will deliver a research report providing evidence-based insights into EV owner perspectives on V2X adoption, contributing to the research and policy community's understanding of V2X readiness in Australia, and informing how AusNet designs future customer programs, incentive structures, and communications around bidirectional charging.
Call to action: Have your say on bidirectional charging from electric vehicles as an EV owner
Are you interested in sharing your thoughts on about bidirectional charging from electric vehicles (V2X)? We will explain bi-directional charging does, how it works, and we are interested in what you think and how it might affect your driving practice.
We are inviting EV owners to take part in a focus group to share your thoughts and questions about your perspectives on bidirectional charging from electric vehicles. This study is mostly focused on Victoria, but we are also interested in participants from other states in Australia.
What's involved?
Join a small group discussion (online) lasting up to two hours. No technical knowledge of EVs are needed—just come along with your perspective as an EV user or owner.
Complete this small five-minute survey to indicate your interest in joining a focus group.
All participants will receive a $50 voucher for their time. These are sent out after the focus group.
For more information, review the Participant Information sheet.
Or if you have questions, email yeliz.simsek@anu.edu.au