Australian energy giant signs up car subscription platform to manage EV fleet and V2G

Australian energy company AGL has formed a partnership with Karmo, the country’s largest car subscription platform, to manage its electric vehicle (EV) subscription fleet and platform operations. This collaboration is set to streamline AGL’s EV subscription service, which offers customers the ability to drive electric vehicles for a fixed monthly fee that covers registration, servicing, maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance. Additionally, the agreement opens the possibility for Karmo to oversee AGL’s involvement in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, enabling EVs to feed electricity back into the grid and provide added value to users. The partnership arrives amid a surge in interest in EVs and home electrification technologies across Australia, driven by factors such as rising living costs, government incentives, and a growing desire for energy cost control. Mabelle Reyes, AGL’s head of eMobility, highlighted that the collaboration supports the company’s broader strategy to accelerate electrification in everyday life, including offerings like home and public charging solutions and tailored energy plans. Reyes also noted that subscription models can help overcome consumer hesitancy by simplifying the transition from petrol to electric vehicles. Karmo, founded in Queensland in 2019 by Nick Boucher, has expanded rapidly to become Australia’s leading car subscription provider, partly due to its acquisition of rival Motopool in 2024. The company has also innovated in the novated leasing sector, partnering with salary packaging provider Smart to offer flexible subscription options with shorter minimum terms. Boucher emphasised that this approach disrupts traditional multi-year financial commitments, giving Australians greater flexibility to access the latest EVs while maximising tax benefits. The collaboration between AGL and Karmo signals a significant step towards integrating flexible EV access with energy management solutions, potentially accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Australia. By combining subscription convenience with emerging V2G capabilities, the partnership could offer customers more control over their mobility and energy costs while supporting broader decarbonisation efforts. As the EV market evolves, such innovative service models may become increasingly important in driving the transition to sustainable transport.