GE’s smart meters with Juice Technology’s plug smart engine have been combined in the chargers to help consumers charge their cars during low-demand, lower cost time periods.
The companies said that the consumers will be able to cut down on their car charging bills and utilities will be able to better control the demand for electricity and meet the added load of electric vehicles without over taxing their grids.
Utilities will also realize greater value from their capital equipment during overnight and other low-demand times, when it is substantially less utilized.
GE said that its charging products will combine GE’s smart meter technology and communication capabilities with Juice Technologies’ patent-pending intelligent charging technology, making them capable of meeting or exceeding requirements set forth by utilities nationwide.
Rich Housh, CEO of Juice Technologies, said: ”Our smart charging system and advanced technology have been in development over the past two years. We’ve collaborated with utilities and with Ohio State University’s Center for Automotive Research to develop the right solution for both utilities and consumers. Our collaboration with GE gives us the expertise we need to bring our solutions to market.”
Bob Gilligan, vice presiden of transmission and distribution at GE Energy Services, said: ”Plug-in electric vehicles will become the new transportation reality. These chargers will help consumers use electric cars as cost-effectively as possible, speeding their adoption, lowering our carbon footprint and dependence on foreign oil.
”Smart chargers will make it easier and more cost effective to power clean, efficient cars with electricity made from clean, domestic sources.”
Initial chargers will be available in the US in the second quarter of 2010.
