Smart charging for electric cars in the works

As electric cars grow in number, scientists are figuring a way of efficient recharging, so they don’t all end up clamoring for power from the grid at peak hours. Plus, this could also come in handy where prices vary with time. The device basically communicates with the grid, and can suspend charging when there’s strain on the grid, to resume charging again when the demand wears off.

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It could work in a similar way with time-varying cost meters that download the information and then charge at most pocket friendly times. A recent study showed that the US power grid can handle nearly 70% of the vehicles, if recharged at the right time. This device will help do exactly that. It is currently a prototype, and its creators at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland aim to put it under testing soon.

Via: msnbc