I am skeptical about the stake holders getting their act together in time for first generation of the Volt. Essentially agreeing on funding, pricing schemes and communication standards. My utility is just too slow moving (not even got time of use metering yet).

At least GM could provide a backup generator capability option. PLEASE PLEASE GM if you are listening offer a 120/240v backup generator option.

Given that California peak domestic electric charge is over $0.50 per KWh. If utility paid me that for 2KWh, on 100 days a year. There’s $100 per year.

I see the biggest problem as being able to plugin during peak periods (car park at work). I doubt my employer wouldn be interested in installing sockets in the car park unless forced to.

Seeing that the Volt is still not fully developed, V2G integration could be installed into the first generation Volt, and it is not unconceivable that the funding needed to get that done could be acquired by GM and the other automakers from the Federal and State governments here in the US, at the cost of taxpayers (who will paying towards a better energy future) and utilities (who will be beneficiaries of this technology). We consumers will ultimately be the prime beneficiaries of this technology which will permanently change how the grid works (shifting from fossil fuels and nuclear energy towards clean energy resources) and economics of driving (the simple depreciating liability that cars now exist as will change to a form of working capital). I’m pushing this technology because I believe that now, and not well after final designs on the Volt have been announced, is the time that this can be integrated both into the product and concept of the Volt and other E-flex, as well as plug-in 2-mode hybrid, GM vehicles.

This is clearly a loser if we are required to pay for all the technology, hardware, and software ourselves, and we are not compensated for its use. But if the utilities pay for the technology (not the actual vehicle, but the V2G upgrades) as well as our services (in the same way that ISOs are already paid) then that will make the Volt a winning product for everyone because more people will be able to afford it, and it will generate revenue, rather than just consuming energy and depreciating.

Maybe I’m just dreaming here, but these ideas are not my own, and the scholars who did the research and introduced the concept excited me. And the fact that Austin Energy, right up the road from me, is leading the way makes me hope it can become a reality. Plus I like the idea of having a backup generator that will not be useless when the lights are still on.

mykallb #28 — Mega dittos!