It’s about time that the government started thinking about helping people charge electric vehicles. Coulomb Technologies is currently testing its system in San Jose. This will hopefully catch-on and soon we’ll see this simple idea take off nationwide!

If you think this could strain the electrical grid, this is one of the objectives of the units being tested. Actually, this type of system, theoretically would allow electric companies to use electric vehicles to store electricity that is currently wasted (at night) and then tap it from electric vehicles as needed (while they’re charging in the daytime) In fact, General Motors will be working with a consortium of over 30 utilities and the Electric Power Research Institute to help establish a standard, educate customers and help resolve all these issues people can feel sure they can charge their electric vehicles almost anywhere!

So it’s simple then… you charge your vehicle at night (when electricity when it’s cheapest) and plug it in for 8 hours at work (when, if you allow it, any excess is tapped and sold back to the utility at a higher rate). This would all be computer controlled, so that there will always be enough time to have your vehicle fully charged by the time you’ll need it (when you get off work). Sounds good to me! I can’t wait for all this to happen… I’m sick of $4.50/gal gasoline, and will be buying a fully electric vehicle in 2009! Which one? Well, right now I’m leaning towards converting a vehicle myself… but if the Triac is available (from Green Vehicles) I might get one of those… since they’re only $19.995

This type of systems are currently being developed in France and Israel, but it’s great to FINALLY see the start taking it seriously. At least, it’s a step step in the right direction…

The unit shown above is on a street, but it is expected that they will be installed in company parking lots (where I assume there will also be solar panels too). Hey, why not put solar panels on each lamp-post in the country… and why not fill the light posts with batteries? - See, I just solved the entire electric car charging problem with one simple idea!

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