This article was in Google today. Does anyone know how to join in this program? By using hybrid cars to contribute to the power grid, it could reduce the amount of coal-burning power plants which contribute a large amount of greenhouse gases. You can check out the information on rechargeit.org and learn more about this vehicle. This is the specs listed on google.org for this modified Toyota Prius vehicle: 73.6 MPG 1.4 gal/100 mi, 3.2 liters/100 km 113.9 Wh/mile Watt hours used per mile 68% fewer CO2 emissions vs. the average car in America This car is called a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle which gives you an extra ability to charge or uncharged the car like a traditional electric car. The vehicle also has the ability to use gasoline to power it as well so you won't have to worry about running low on battery juice during a long drive, and your car will also charge the battery off of the gas engine.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LYLUVLY @ Jun 21 2007, 09:28 PM) [snapback]466161[/snapback]</div> It is not a project that others can join. They don't take donations either. The only thing you can take part in is get your Prius upgraded to plug-in, and then register your car on their web site.
Google's RechargeIT.org program is completely experimental. They have four Prius, two of which have been converted to PHEV. They are not making a serious contribution to the grid.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Jun 21 2007, 10:22 PM) [snapback]466215[/snapback]</div> Nor do I want much emphasis put on contributing to the grid through gasoline-fired generators!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Jun 22 2007, 01:39 AM) [snapback]466233[/snapback]</div> I agree. I don't know why the RechageIt.org gets more attention than their solar project
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Jun 21 2007, 11:39 PM) [snapback]466233[/snapback]</div> That's not what they're talking about. Like CalCars, they want to use the PHEVs as distributed energy storage for peak shaving, to reduce the need for more electric generators: Charge the cars at off-peak times, when there is excess generating capacity on the grid, and then feed some of that back into the grid, at peak times, when generating capacity is at or near its limit. I'm a bit skeptical, because you can find your car less than fully charged when you want to do a lot of errands. But at least they're not talking about using the car's gas engine to generate electricity for the grid.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but won't any electricity sent back into the grid mean MORE gas used the next time you drive? The electricity has to come from somewhere.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tyrin @ Jun 22 2007, 09:21 AM) [snapback]466296[/snapback]</div> From the sun, perhaps?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Jun 22 2007, 11:22 AM) [snapback]466367[/snapback]</div> Some of the High School kids that build EV's have a wind powered generator on a tower that they use to recharge the vehicle away from home.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tyrin @ Jun 22 2007, 07:21 AM) [snapback]466296[/snapback]</div> I think you did not see my post immediately before yours. You were probably typing when my post appeared. The electricity the car sends to the grid came from the grid in the first place. The car acts as storage for peak shaving. The car does not generate the electricity it sends to the grid.
