Talking to the Grid
Plug-in hybrids, which recharge their batteries from the utility grid, could strain that system by increasing electrical demand. Ford is getting around the problem by equipping its plug-in, the Escape, to communicate with smart meters provided by utility companies. As demand varies through the day, so does the price of electricity. The Ford system can be programmed to charge the car when that cost falls below a user-determined threshold or to charge only at certain times of day. Future versions may allow users to request electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar. The first Escape fitted with the system has been delivered to American Electric Power in Columbus, OH, for testing.
Product: Vehicle-to-grid system
Cost: N/A
Source: www.ford.com
Companies: Ford Motor Co.
Keep Reading
Most Popular
How AI is reinventing what computers are
Three key ways artificial intelligence is changing what it means to compute.
These weird virtual creatures evolve their bodies to solve problems
They show how intelligence and body plans are closely linked—and could unlock AI for robots.
Our brains exist in a state of “controlled hallucination”
Three new books lay bare the weirdness of how our brains process the world around us.
We reviewed three at-home covid tests. The results were mixed.
Over-the-counter coronavirus tests are finally available in the US. Some are more accurate and easier to use than others.
Stay connected
Illustration by Rose WongGet the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.