One of the issues with a massive rollout of electric vehicle has been the question of how much this will tax the aging electrical grid. One possible solution that may help take the burden off during peak hours is smart charging.
The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) has developed a smart charger controller that will be useful for both plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and all battery electric vehicles (BAVs). With the smart charger, consumers can reduce the burden on the power grid and save money at the same time.
The smart charger can be set to start its work during off-peak hours, say 1 am, when typically there is more electricity on the grid than is needed and when electrical rates are at their lowest.
The system developed by the DOE also uses wireless technology to shop around for the cheapest prices for a particular time of day. Now, smart charging may not be a panacea for the electrical grid but it surely will help and will be another reason for consumers to buy EVs when they can charge their cars for pennies on the dollar.