Mitsubishi Motors Australia chief Shaun Westcott urges subsidies for bi-directional chargers for electric and hybrid vehicles

A connectivity revolution between solar panels and electric cars would be triggered by extending battery subsidies, says Mitsubishi’s Australian chief.

The Australian chief of Japanese motor giant Mitsubishi is urging government battery subsidies be extended to two-way chargers, to allow electric and hybrid cars to power households.

Predicting a revolution in connectivity between electric cars and rooftop solar panels, Mitsubishi Motors Australia chief executive officer Shaun Westcott said bi-directional charging was the crucial step.

This allows electricity to flow both ways between electric and hybrid vehicles – to homes, buildings and appliances.

Official forecasts predict bi-directional charging will be as popular as rooftop solar systems in coming decades.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia chief executive officer Shaun Westcott, at the firm’s Adelaide headquarters. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Mr Westcott urged state and federal subsidies, like the $2.3bn home battery scheme unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on April 6, to be applied to bi-directional chargers.

“Bi-directional charging could be as transformative as rooftop solar was a decade ago. Together, they create a circular energy system – using solar power to charge your car during the day, and your car battery to power your home by night,” he said.

“Mitsubishi Motors Australia welcomes battery subsidy proposals from political parties at federal and state level and urges them to go one step further: support for bi-directional chargers. Because with a car like the Outlander PHEV, you already own the battery – now let it power your home.

“Bi-directional charging isn’t just smart energy – it’s smart industry for our nation. Let’s build these chargers in Australia, creating hi-tech jobs, boosting our advanced manufacturing capabilities, and ensuring every unit meets our standards.”

Bi-directional chargers cost about $10,000, with installation between $1200-$2000, but can produce annual savings of $5000 for a standard household of four people.

State and territory battery subsidies range from a WA rebate up to $7500 to an ACT interest-free loan up to $15,000.

An Australian Renewable Energy Agency national road map for bi-directional EV charging, or V2G, released in February, said 2.6m homes could be equipped by 2040.

“Over the past two decades, Australians have installed over four million rooftop solar systems and there is no apparent reason, based on expected EV uptake rates, why similar V2G uptake levels could not be achieved over the coming decades,” the road map says.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia chief executive officer Shaun Westcott with an EV charger. Picture: Brett Hartwig

South Australia in late 2022 became Australia’s first electricity distributor to allow network connection of V2G electric vehicle chargers.

Mitsubishi has been working with Adelaide-based V2Grid Australia, which produces five bi-directional chargers monthly but is seeking to increase this to 75 within two years, taking staff numbers from three to 50.

“Bi-directional charging will transform how we use energy and create synergies between powering our homes and vehicles,” said V2Grid Australia director corporate affairs Domenique Downie.

“Manufacturing this technology locally will reduce supply chain emissions, cut transport costs, and ensure the chargers are made for Australia.”

Originally published as Mitsubishi Motors Australia chief Shaun Westcott urges subsidies for bi-directional chargers for electric and hybrid vehicles