V2G could deliver more if the economics catch up

New research from Monash Engineering highlights both the promise and the complexity of smart EV charging within future energy systems.

As global EV adoption accelerates, the need for smarter charging technologies is becoming critical to protect grid stability and improve efficiency.

A new study by Dr Soobok Yoon of Monash Civil and Environmental Engineering examines a proposed smart parking and charging system within the Monash microgrid. Both Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) pathways were tested using a Mixed Integer Linear Programming model to optimise charging schedules and capture value through electricity spot-price arbitrage.

The research compared the economic performance of G2V and V2G chargers from an investor perspective, factoring in real-world user behaviour and charger-type preferences. While V2G offered clear technical advantages, the study found that achieving stronger economic returns than G2V remains difficult under current market conditions.

Dr Yoon says ""From a global perspective, Australia’s EV adoption and infrastructure in 2024 significantly lagged behind international peers."

“Of the approximately 11 million BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) sold worldwide, Australia accounts for merely 91,000 units - just 0.83% of the global total,” he says.

The research team (including Dr Terrence W.K. Mak and Associate Professor Roger Dargaville) also identified scenarios that could improve the future investment case for V2G, offering valuable insights for the commercialisation of smart charging systems as the energy–transport transition accelerates.

Read the full article in Elsevier's Electric Power Systems Research here https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2025.111875