Researchers at CSIRO in Australia are running a road trial of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which can ultimately be used as large mobile batteries that can be integrated and used in the home.
CSIRO engineers have modified the PHEVs to carry a 30Ah NiMH battery which is capable of holding a 6kWh charge, and a battery charger, to allow the cars to plug into and charge with electricity from the grid or from on-site renewable energy sources.
According to CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship scientist Dr Phillip Paevere, the road trial is collecting extensive information on how the existing PHEV technology could be used for a new application: using the car as a large mobile battery which can be integrated and used in the home.
The PHEVs have been fitted with instruments which will monitor the travel patterns of different users, and the residual battery power left in the car at the end of the day, which could be available for other uses,' Dr Paevere said.
'When not needed, the parked car in the driveway could potentially become a large battery store and energy source for the house, running appliances or storing off-peak or surplus electricity generated from on-site renewable generators, such as solar panels,' he added.