Storage on Wheels: Powering Your Home, Powering the Future with Your EV!

Curious about how electric vehicles (EVs) are changing more than just our roads? It turns out they’re not only cleaner to drive but could also help reduce your energy bills and support a more stable electricity grid. Yes, that's right… your car might one day power your house!

At Good for the Hood, we believe in practical, everyday solutions that help households reduce their impact and live more sustainably. That’s why we recently explored the future of EVs and energy with expert guest Dr. Bjorn Sturmberg from the Australian National University. Here’s a taste of what we learnt and how it could apply to your life.

Why EVs are Already Awesome (and Getting Better!)

You’ve probably noticed more electric cars zipping around your neighbourhood. Here’s why EVs are picking up speed in Australia:

• Cleaner driving: EVs produce no tailpipe emissions and, when charged with renewable electricity, can cut lifetime emissions by up to 70% compared to petrol or diesel cars.
  
  
• Lower running costs: Charging your car with rooftop solar is far cheaper than filling up at the petrol station.
  
  
• Global momentum: In some countries, EVs make up over 40% of new car sales. Australia is on its way, too.
  
  

Of course, EVs aren’t perfect. They still produce emissions from tyre and road wear, and public transport or cycling will always be the lower impact choice. But when you need a car, EVs offer a cleaner, lower emissions option.

So, What Is Bidirectional Charging?

Here’s where EVs get really clever.

Most people know EVs store energy in a large battery. But did you know some can also give energy back to your home or the grid?

This technology is called Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) or bidirectional charging, and it's set to become a game-changer.



Picture this:

• The average Aussie home uses about 20 kWh of electricity per day.
  
  
• A standard EV battery stores around 50 kWh—more than double your daily needs.
  
  
• You might only use 6 kWh to get around in a day, leaving lots of stored energy unused.
  
  

With bidirectional charging, your EV can send power back to your home when you need it most.

Benefits of Bidirectional Charging

This isn’t science fiction. It’s being trialled right now and it has serious perks for households:

• Cut your energy bills: Charge your EV during sunny, solar-filled days and use that energy in the evening when grid power is expensive.
  
  
• Be blackout-ready: In future, your EV could power your home during outages (some early models already can).
  
  
• Help the grid: If more homes tap into V2G, it could reduce pressure on the electricity system and support the shift to renewables.
  
  

Do more with solar: EVs help households use more of their solar power, reducing waste and reliance on coal and gas.

Is Australia Ready?

We’re getting there. Research from Dr. Sturmberg and others is helping shape policies and pilot programs across the country.

Major carmakers like Nissan, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Ford, and VW are rolling out V2G-capable models. The main roadblock? Access to bidirectional chargers and manufacturer support for warranties. But change is coming and fast.

What You Can Do Now (Even Without V2G)

Even if your EV can’t power your home yet, how and when you charge still matters.

Here’s how to be a smart EV owner right now:



• Use your car’s charging timer to schedule charging overnight or during midday solar peaks.
  
  
• Avoid charging at 5–9pm, when the grid is under the most pressure.
  
  
• Check your energy plan, some offer cheaper rates for charging at certain times.
  
  
• Stay curious about V2G options as more tech becomes available in Australia.
  
  

Smart charging habits help stabilise the grid, reduce fossil fuel use, and can even save you money.

The Bigger Picture: What Councils Can Do

The session featured here is just one of the many expert-led, practical events councils can offer their residents through the @ HOME program. From EVs and energy to waste, food, and community action, the program is packed with value.



If your council is already part of the @ HOME program—amazing! You're getting exclusive access to events, guides, and expert Q&As like this one.

Not yet a member? If you're a council staff member or community decision-maker, get in touch with us to find out how you can bring this kind of future-focused education to your residents.

Final Thoughts: The Power Is Literally in Your Hands

Your car isn’t just a way to get from A to B anymore. It could be the key to a cleaner, more resilient home and a more sustainable neighbourhood.

If you already have an EV (or are thinking about it), take a moment this week to:

• Look at your car’s charging settings.
  
  
• Review your electricity provider’s rates.
  
  
• Try charging at different times and track the savings

Small shifts today make big change possible tomorrow.

Let’s keep driving toward a smarter, cleaner future—together.