Honda to utilize its Accord Plug-in for alternative power supply demonstration program

With the thought of the bleak situation that the world could be in or arguably already is in, scientists and global industrial giants are all aware of their responsibilities to do something to make things better. Being a part of the massive pollution makers, the car majors of the world are also trying their bit to reduce the rising pollution, global warming and the destruction of eco-balance.

As a result, a number of highly efficient hybrids, EVs (Electric Vehicles) and alternate fuel vehicles are being rolled out by the auto giants, which emit far less harmful gasses or none at all to harm the nature. With the advent of plug-in hybrids and battery operated EVs, another very effective mode of energy conservation or supply has emerged, that is of the vehicle to grid electricity supply. Though this is still being studied, it has immense possibility in the near future, where EVs and plug-in vehicles can serve as power supply devices, when there is a dearth of the same.

The Japanese luxury auto major, Honda Motor being a part of the global green agenda is now joining an existing vehicle to grid or V2G display project which involves the University of Delaware and the NRG Energy. Honda Motor will be utilizing the power of one of its Accord Plug-in Hybrid car models as a backup power source when standard power supply declines and the demand of the same increases. NRG Energy had started funding this testing program along with the Delaware University previously this year.

In a bead to participate in this program, Honda is going to install a bi-directional charger into the system in its Accord Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. This particular testing program is part of a more expansive effort by the major car makers as well as other organizations who wish to explore the possibility of the plug-in vehicles to help control the grid, which is something that is eventually going to be more common as when the renewable sources energy become more available.

Other auto makers of the world are also involved in similar projects with their own EVs or Plug-in hybrid car models. Honda’s homegrown rival Nissan has been involved in a similar alternative power supply program with its all electric passenger vehicle, Leaf. Nissan has also recently tested its very own ‘Vehicle To Building’ program in its home ground Japan. Nissan test consisted of 6 Leaf electric vehicles providing power for an office building, when the electricity demand was at its peak, and when the electricity costs come down then the all electric vehicles are re-charged fully again for any future usage as per need.

Back in the year 2011, Nissan had also conducted and got impressive results from the company’s “Leaf to Home” power project. In this testing program, the Japanese car maker used its Leaf EV to work as a house UPS and power a house during power cuts and getting the battery recharged afterwards.