Plug-in hybrids and smart grid technology independently and jointly have great potential to reduce emissions, eliminate foreign oil dependency and create business opportunities (and local jobs).
The Rocky Mountain Institute is leading the charge to make sure that these benefits are maximized and has been rounding up the top players through its "smart garage" initiative.
In October about 80 of us got together to discuss the challenges and opportunities for vehicle-to-grid integration, and RMI has
released a document summarizing what was learned and how to move forward. The organization is following the open source philosophy and welcomes input from everyone affected -- from the auto industry, to EV enthusiasts, to communities and utilities.
The big challenges identified are as follows:
- Uncertain consumer demand hampers ability to start building xEVs in significant volumes
- Who will pay for the charging infrastructure?
- High battery costs/ uncertainty for key parameters
- How do we support consistency in utility regulation?
- Communications, billing, and charge management services/structures don�t exist
RMI, along with industry and interested players, is starting projects to address each of these challenges. The
Smart Garage website has forums where anyone can participate in shaping the future of transportation, and welcomes participation from organization and individuals.
So if you believe in energy independence, clean jobs, peak oil, energy security, renewable energy, and the need to upgrade the grid, join in the discussion. It will be interesting to see how many other non-government organizations (eg. Plug-in America, the Apollo Alliance, etc.) also get involved.
- Uncertain consumer demand hampers ability to start building xEVs in significant volumes
- Who will pay for the charging infrastructure?
- High battery costs/ uncertainty for key parameters
- How do we support consistency in utility regulation?
- Communications, billing, and charge management services/structures don�t exist
RMI, along with industry and interested players, is starting projects to address each of these challenges. The Smart Garage website has forums where anyone can participate in shaping the future of transportation, and welcomes participation from organization and individuals. So if you believe in energy independence, clean jobs, peak oil, energy security, renewable energy, and the need to upgrade the grid, join in the discussion. It will be interesting to see how many other non-government organizations (eg. Plug-in America, the Apollo Alliance, etc.) also get involved.