Question 1

When will V2G actually be available in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

There's no firm date yet. Two-way chargers are still emerging, most cars can't use the feature yet, and the national trial (EECA's, in Queenstown) is only now getting underway, with installs through 2026. We'll let you know the moment it's ready — and because our software is already built and tested, there's nothing to wait on at our end.

Question 2

Will my car work with V2G?

Accepted Answer

Your EV needs to support two-way (bidirectional) charging. A growing number of models can, but many are still waiting on the manufacturer to switch the capability on.Download the pdf below to see where the automakers are up to. Local will let you know when each one becomes available for Local V2G in New Zealand. Most are expected to get there eventually - and the models that already do true V2G will likely be first.

Question 3

Will V2G lower my electricity bills?

Accepted Answer

Very likely — it's one of the main reasons to do it. Your car fills up on cheap power (solar or off-peak rates) and powers your home when prices peak, selling any extra back to the grid.

Question 4

Does V2G damage the EV battery?

Accepted Answer

V2G does add charging cycles, which in theory can contribute to battery wear over time. In practice, modern EV battery management is highly sophisticated, and some manufacturers running V2G trials (such as Nissan) already account for it in their warranties. On top of that, V2G is designed to operate within safe limits, and LocalSmart only trades when it's worthwhile – it won't cycle your battery needlessly. You also set a minimum charge to keep in reserve, so everyday battery use stays sensible.

Question 5

Do I need to buy new hardware?

Accepted Answer

Usually some – a bidirectional charger, and depending on your setup a battery and inverter. Local supplies and installs the complete system (around $20k incl. GST), and if you already have some of the gear, we'll work with what you've got.

Question 6

What if I need my car charged and it's been selling power?

Accepted Answer

You're always in control. Set the charge level you want kept back (and by when), and LocalSmart works around it – earning from the surplus while making sure your car's ready when you are.

Question 7

Do I need solar to do V2G?

Accepted Answer

No. V2G earns by buying power when it's cheap and selling it back when it's dear, so it works on its own. If you do have or add solar, the inverter supports that too, and it stacks nicely with your V2G setup.

Question 8

Who installs and looks after it?

Accepted Answer

Local provides all the hardware, installation and the app that controls everything – a complete, managed setup.

V2G

WHY V2G PAYS OFF

Earn while you sleep

Smart, capable hardware

A car that pays for itself

Backup power

Help the environment

Local can handle it all

HOW IT WORKS

OVERNIGHT - 1-4AM

MORNING PEAK - 7-9AM

MIDDAY LULL

EVENING PEAK

WHAT YOU NEED

A V2G-CAPABLE EV

A growing number of EVs support two-way charging.

THE HARDWARE

LOCALSMART AI

FAQs