Xcel set to test plug-in hybrids, V2G

A Hybrids-Plus plug-in Toyota Prius

Xcel Energy is ramping up its effort to test 6 plug-in hybrid vehicles on its grid, including the impact of V2G technology. According to a recent press release, the 6 month test should begin before the end of the year.

"The goal is to determine how consumers can use the vehicles to significantly lower greenhouse gases, shore up electricity grid reliability and prove PHEVs are a viable alternative to today’s carbon-emitting cars."

Hybrids-Plus will provide 6 Ford Escape hybrid vehicles that have been converted into lithium-powered plug-in hybrid vehicles with an inverger that will interface with a V2 Green V2G Connectivity Module.

V2Green making plug-in hybrid to grid software

A Hybrids-Plus Plug-in Prius hybrid

According to GreenCarCongress, "V2Green is a Seattle-based start-up developing a suite of software infrastructure products—the V2Green System—to manage the impact of plug-in hybrids on the grid and to generate vehicle-based power services.

The V2Green System establishes intelligent, two-way communication between plug-in vehicles and the grid. Once vehicles are “grid-aware”, utilities can implement real-time monitoring and charging control strategies, including Smart Charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services to meet the needs of both drivers and the utilities. V2Green will license the system to electric utilities."

Making V2G technology could help offset the costs of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which might bring mass-produced lithium-powered hybrids to market sooner.