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Utility Preps for Electric Cars

PG&E All Charged Up over Plug-In Cars

By Joe Benton
ConsumerAffairs.com

April 10, 2007

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The largest utility in California is getting ready for the electric car revolution. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will develop battery charging systems for electric vehicles and those vehicles could also sell stored power back to the grid.

Electric cars would recharge their batteries through electricity outlets during off-peak overnight hours and recharge the grid from the batteries in peak demand hours in late afternoon.

The PG&E charging system could be in place by 2012 if automakers are able to reduce the high costs currently required to equip plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and begin to manufacture electric vehicles.

PG&E demonstrated prototype plug-in hybrid electric car at an alternative energy event in the Silicon Valley south of San Francisco.

A Toyota Prius equipped with a lithium ion battery provided enough capacity to run the car entirely on electricity and sent power through a meter to light some lamps and a space heater.

The cost of converting a car or truck into a plug-in electric vehicle currently ranges between $5,000 and $40,000. PG&E is working with some automakers and electric car companies to encourage more production.

PG&E executives said the vehicle-to-grid power systems could be installed at workplace parking lots and garages as well as at transit station lots.

”Smart grid" technologies such as high-tech meters that measure electricity use via remote control and give customers timing and pricing options could help drivers charge their batteries at home at night when off-peak power prices are cheaper. They would receive a bill credit for selling excess electricity back to the grid during high-demand hours.

PG&E is installing high-tech meters in its service area and expects to be finished by 2011.

The utility will need regulatory approvals for its plan from the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Independent System Operator, which manages most of the state's power grid.

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