The utilities have started testing a dozen Toyota Prius plug-in electric cars in a two-year trial using equipment that allows the autos to communicate with the power grid.
When the car is plugged in to recharge, an on-board sensor will collect data on real-time power demand and generation costs. During peak demand times, the sensor will instruct the recharger not to draw electricity until demand and costs subside. Additionally, the sensor will be able to tell whether the Prius is recharging in a service area belonging to Duke or Progress.
The 12 Priuses belonging to Duke, Progress and University of Florida will be tested in North Carolina and Florida using a Connectivity Module designed by V2Green, a Seattle technology company. The testing is being overseen by Raleigh nonprofit Advanced Energy.
Staff writer John Murawski; Staff writer Jack Hagel
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