Environmental Leader

Advanced Energy, in partnership with Duke Energy and Progress Energy, announced it is initiating a smart charging trial of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Twelve converted Toyota Priuses will be equipped with charging management technology and deployed in North Carolina and Florida.

The trial will assess the potential of plug-in vehicles to positively impact electric grid operations; maximize use of clean energy; and prove PHEVs are a viable alternative to carbon-emitting cars.

Each of the Priuses involved in the trial will be equipped with a V2Green Connectivity Module (VCM) to establish two-way communication with the electric grid and make the vehicles grid-aware. V2Green server software will be used to manage the flow of electricity to the Priuses.

The partnership with both Progress Energy and Duke Energy will allow the trial to explore the billing and operational requirements of supporting plug-in vehicle “roaming” between adjoining utility service areas.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy recently gave electric vehicles and hybrids the green light.

Matter Network reported that automakers are hopeful that plug-in hybrid vehicles will revive their industry. However, the network says in order for plug-in hybrid vehicles to become commercially viable, smart grid technologies must be developed to accommodate intermittent solar and wind energy; and to manage peak power through demand response technology.

A recent study shows that 15 percent of U.S. consumers are very or extremely likely to buy plug-in hybrids.

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