Honda and IBM team up on Electric Cars, Washington University Employs Smart Grid Research Team

The future of electric vehicles has had it's ups and downs, but it does seem to get more interesting as newer and more refined technologies emerge.  An example is the partnership between IBM and Honda, who are working on a new technology to enable communication between electric cars and power grids. Traditionally, electric car owners power their vehicles by simple plug and charging. However, "plug and charge" risks overloading power grids as more hybrid cars are produced. The technology under test may prevent this danger and enable electric cars to only charge when it’s necessary.  Using the Honda 2013 Fit electric car, they are testing the technology by creating a system through which electric cars and the power grids can communicate to determine the best charging times. 

Last Friday, April 6, our Clean Energy Initative hosted an panel discussion with Opower on the ever important role of the consumer in shaping energy policy.  This week, Washington State University announced it’s created a new research center. It will look for ways to bring the country’s aging electricity system in line with 21th century power needs. Besides experts in energy and computer science, the assembled team of researchers includes sociologists and psychologists.  The project is called the Energy Systems Innovation Center. Funders include Avista Utilities and the U.S. Department of Energy. The goal is to advance so-called “smart grid” technology to make the power system more efficient and responsive.  A key ingredient is a network of “smart meters” that allow consumers to see in real-time things like how much energy they’re using -- and how much it’s costing them.