What is the point of Smart Charge?
• During times of peak demand, the power company prefers to reduce the demand, rather than turning on additional (dirtier and more expensive) power plants. In places that subscribe to such services, the power company shuts off appliances such as air conditioners until the peak demand is over. Similarly, Smart Charge allows the power company to postpone charging until the peak demand is over. Smart Charge is not as far reaching as V2G (a technology that allows the power company to buy energy back from a plug-in car) but is very effective because it is less expensive than V2G. • The hardware used in Smart Charge also monitors the vehicle (when driving or when plugged-in). As a side benefit, that information is available, through the web, to both the power company and the owner, for the purpose of tracking and optimizing the performance of the vehicle. • At this point there is no financial benefit from using Smart Charge. However, one day the power utility may sell you electricity at a lo
