While global warming is spreading its tentacles at an alarming rate, thankfully, there is no dearth of people and professional bodies initiating numerous efforts to create environment-friendly products that still promise the comforts of their non-friendly, even threatening, counterparts.
In yet another pursuit to take on the ‘clean up’ act, Google.org issued a $10 million request for proposals for projects encouraging the commercialization of plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric cars, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and so on. To substantiate this initiative, Google recently introduced a solar-powered parking bay and recharging stations. They have been created with a utility called, PG&E (PCG) where workers can choose from a variety of plug-in hybrid cars to be used on an employee car-sharing basis.
Also, Google is testing several plug-in Toyota Priuses (TM) to assess their potential to serve as mobile generators (transferring electricity back to the grid from their batteries during times of peak demand).
Such innovations not only help reducing the pollutants in the environment but with the
amount of network management infrastructure required to kickstart this project and ensure its smooth functioning, this initiative is also looking out to be a prospective business opportunity for Google.org.
With tests such as, driving conditions, fuel efficiency and so on, being conducted, a large number of google employees can be seen running errands around the Silcon Valley, in their modified Priuses (black boxes installed). FYI the grants are part of Google.org’s (GOOG) RechargeIt.org initiative.
If all goes well in this venture, be sure to hop in a pair of eco-friendly wheels.
Via: Business 2
