Google Plugs Into the Electric Car Market

Is there anything these guys aren't interested in? Fast Company, citing CNET News, reported yesterday that Google (remember when all they did was search?) is developing software for use in charging so-called smart cars. More specifically, the software will tackle the expected energy bottlenecks as an increasing fleet of plug-in hybrid vehicles across the country recharge overnight.

According to Google sources cited in the story, the software — still in prototype stage — will use "vehicle dispatch algorithms" to help smooth out the process by ensuring a steady frequency of electricity flow, as opposed to grid-stressing spikes and lulls. The software also promises to take advantage of renewable, but variable sources of energy like solar and wind. But the article doesn't detail just how this would enable better use of these greener energy sources, except to say that is all part of the larger "smart grid" equation.

The always-growing Internet kingpin is testing the new technology at its Mountain View headquarters with a fleet of Toyota Priuses and Ford Escapes converted for plug-in hybrid use. Further down the road is technology that enables cars with extra stored energy to feed the electricity grid during peak times, completing the circle.

What's next for Google? Who knows, but there are entire blogs dedicated to such speculation.