A Queensland researcher is working on new technology to ensure the grid can cope with the new age of electric cars.
James Cook University researcher Kirk Martel says his in-car device will help electric car owners save money by letting them know the best time to recharge their vehicles, when demand and prices are low.
Motorists will also be told when demand peaks so they can get the best price for any surplus power they pump back into the grid.
Research has shown most households with electric cars recharge their cars at the end of the day, when demand is peaking and power prices are highest.
Mr Martel says his device, designed to sit under a car stereo, will help ease the transition from fossil-fuelled to electric cars.
"My key aim is to help the consumer," Mr Martell says.
"But with many more electric cars expected on the road the electricity companies may not be able to handle the load without significant upgrades unless many of the cars are being charged at optimum times."
Mr Martel is setting about finding answers to a range of complicated questions that will underpin his device, with his research due for completion in a year.
"How quickly do different battery types charge? When you discharge to the grid, how much charge do you leave in the battery for emergency trips ... those sorts of things," he said.
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