Mar 13 2008

Plug-In Hybrids Lead Auto-Utility Convergence

One of most interesting trends that we're seeing in the new energy economy is the convergence of the auto and utility sectors. 

The electrification of the transportation sector is looking like a very real low-carbon solution for the transportation sector. This is especially true in parts of the U.S. that are served by cleaner utilities.  On average, more than 50% of the electricity that PG&E delivers its customers comes from carbon free sources. 

In California, nearly 40% of the CO2 emissions come from the transportation sector.   Can you imagine the CO2 emissions reductions if we move from petroleum based fuels to those that are 50% carbon free or better? 

We've converted a Toyota Prius into a plug-in hybrid, which we've aptly named "Sparky" and purchased several electric vehicles to test the benefits.  We've been intensely engaged in a partnership with Tesla Motors to research smart charging technologies to get a better understanding of what types of infrastructure we'd need to invest in to realize an electric transportation sector.   

A recent study by the Oakridge Laboratory found that if cars were recharged after 10 P.M. there might not be a need for new power plants (in their "high-demand" scenario, 8 new plants are required).  We're still looking at the potential grid impact of this scenario, but this seems to be a promising outcome. 

In addition to looking at grid to vehicle applications, we're also studying the concept of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), which would treat a car as a storage device.  The car would plug-in at night and fill up with clean energy, mostly from wind that blows at night.  In the day, the car owner would use as much energy to meet their transportation needs, and could potentially sell back what energy they don't use to the utility. 

We're many years from V2G being a reality as it will require greater storage capacity, a critical mass of electric vehicles and enhanced V2G communications infrastructure, but the idea gaining lots of attention.

 

Posted by: Keely Wachs | Comments (0) digg delicioussend to a friendprint entry

 

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  • This is being rather generous to Lutz. 1. The "Volt", in no small part, will be targeted as a product to people who care about energy and environmental issues. These people don't embrace Lutz' antideluvian concepts of rejecting science. How responsible is it for a GM executive to be rejecting the science? 2. As well, Lutz didn't exactly sound too enthusiastic about the Volt itself. 3. And, GM public communications has 'defended' Lutz in rather absurd ways. -A Siegel
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  • This article is right on - small businesses have a huge role to play in sustainability. Not only do they add up in aggregate, but many small businesses operate in industries that can have a significant environmental impact depending on the exact practices, like dry cleaners, auto repair shops, etc. Green is also starting to affect the bottom line more and more, customers are increasingly voting with their feet for more sustainable businesses as can be seen from the growth of sites like http://www.ecovian.com. This is also a huge opportunity for small businesses to leapfrog their bigger brothers by being more agile in adopting these measures. -Emily
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  • Great entry, Katie. Love the level of detail you managed to get in there! Probably won't be able to compete with coal and oil any time the next decade, but definitely a great technology to look into! Keep it up :) -Rune (Norway)
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