Microsoft and Toyota to partner on smarter charging systems for EVs?

Today at 3:00pm EST Microsoft and Toyota are holding a little webcast and, while they’re staying mum on just what the topic of discussion will be, we’re hearing they’ve been having some heart-to-hearts about making dumb power grids a little smarter. The details naturally are yet to be unveiled, but we’re presuming it’ll be similar to what Microsoft and Ford have worked on for the Focus Electric , technology that enables the car to know when rates are cheapest and only charge up then, also providing detailed data on the car’s power consumption. The Tesla-powered RAV4 EV will be Toyota’s first pure electric vehicle, and while it surely won’t be as invigorating to drive as the similarly Tesla-powered Roadster , thanks to Microsoft maybe it’ll be a little smarter. It’ll certainly be cheaper. Microsoft and Toyota to partner on smarter charging systems for EVs? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 07:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink