In this episode, Technology Partner Kate Cruickshank sits down with Buddhika Rajapakse, Associate Director at Concept Consulting, to explore the untapped potential of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology in New Zealand and discuss the key findings from the recently released multi-client report Powerful Potential: New Zealand’s Vehicle-to-Grid Opportunity.
[01:14] Kate and Buddhika consider the fundamentals of bi-directional electric vehicle (EV) charging and why EV batteries represent a unique and flexible energy storage opportunity. They explain that, beyond powering a car, an EV battery can also be used in certain circumstances to supply electricity to appliances, homes, businesses, and even feed energy back into the grid. The conversation breaks down the different bidirectional applications (vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home/premises (V2H/V2P), and vehicle-to-grid (V2G)) and how each works in practice.
[06:45] Buddhika discusses the critical technology stack required for V2G to succeed, including V2G-capable EVs, chargers, smart retail offerings, and interoperable software, emphasising the importance of each layer working in synchronicity.
[10:02] They then turn to the report itself, outlining the drivers behind its development, the sector-wide collaboration that shaped it, and the modelling used to quantify the value V2G could unlock across the transmission and distribution electricity value chain, the wholesale market and generation and also for individual consumers.
[13:11] Kate and Buddhika consider the consumer experience as a critical factor for the success of V2G uptake, highlighting the need for simple, compelling consumer information and offerings. Buddhika points out the UK’s EV-as-a-service type model from Octopus Energy and BYD as a leading example that make V2G effortless and attractive for consumers.
[17:04] Finally, they consider what industry participants should be focusing on next, including the importance of national and Trans-Tasman alignment on standards, and the long-term outlook where the use of V2G technologies could significantly enhance grid resilience and flexibility.
Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 6 November 2025.
Please contact Kate Cruickshank or our Technology team if you need legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode.
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Additional resources
Powerful Potential: New Zealand’s Vehicle-to-Grid Opportunity – 25 September 2025
