From “new load” to flexible power: Electric vehicles can help keep the lights on, if we let them

Victoria has concluded a comprehensive year-long parliamentary inquiry examining the relationship between electric vehicles (EVs) and the electricity grid. The central finding is that EVs do not pose a threat to the grid but rather represent a crucial component in developing a cleaner, more affordable energy system—provided that infrastructure and policies are designed to integrate them effectively. The inquiry explored beyond subsidies, addressing issues such as peak-time charging, the pace of public and kerbside charger deployment, the role of network operators, and the potential for repurposing used EV batteries for home and community energy storage. The inquiry highlighted that over 80% of current EV owners charge their vehicles at home, but renters and apartment residents often lack access to convenient charging options. Workplace and daytime charging were identified as vital to absorbing excess solar power, especially as EV adoption accelerates rapidly. Recent market data shows that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 20% of new car sales in Victoria by May 2026, with Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Zeekr expanding their presence significantly, overtaking Tesla in some respects. EV sales in Australia have more than doubled year-on-year, reflecting a swift market transition that demands urgent policy responses. The report advocates for smarter tariffs, improved planning, and enhanced public and workplace charging infrastructure, emphasising that distribution network service providers should facilitate rather than monopolise charging services. While the committee supports further trials and pilots, the pace of EV adoption means that Victoria must now shift from exploratory studies to concrete implementation. Suggested measures include mandating smart, network-connected chargers for new installations, fast-tracking vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) technologies, and integrating EV flexibility into system planning to reduce reliance on costly infrastructure upgrades. Looking ahead, the inquiry’s findings offer a blueprint for other Australian states facing similar challenges with rising EV uptake and renewable energy integration. New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia are encouraged to adopt Victoria’s analytical framework and coordinate standards to avoid redundant inquiries. The critical question is no longer whether Australians want EVs, but whether regulatory frameworks and grid planning will evolve swiftly enough to harness EVs as flexible energy assets, avoiding unnecessary costs and maximising the benefits of a decarbonised electricity system.