The Detroit News reports that Ford has announced that its future electric cars will “talk” to power grids across the country, allowing car owners to control when they charge vehicles and for how long.
The plan is the result of a two-year collaboration with 10 utility companies and the U.S. Dept. of Energy on the design of system they hope will generate more interest in electric vehicles.
Using smart grid technology in electric cars would allow the owners to power up during non-peak times when electricity is cheaper, or when renewable power like wind or solar is powering the grid.
While many questions remain about how electric cars will be used and re-charged, the program is another example of how smart grid technology can be used to meet consumers’ demands in a more efficient way.