Washington State researchers have developed a Smart Charger Controller that recharges electric cars at the best and cheapest time.  The Pacific Northwest National Lab in Richland has developed this grid-friendly new technology to be ready as electric cars come onto the market.  According to the PNNL, "owners program the controller to charge at a specific time of day or night or at a set price point. The controller uses a low-range wireless technology to communicate with the power grid and determine the best and cheapest time to recharge vehicles. By charging vehicles during off-peak times, the controller saves consumers money."

The Lab, which is part of the U.S. DOE, is testing a prototype.  Automakers will have electric cars on the market by next year and they will be widely available by 2011.  Now the utilities will need to do their part and install meters to track usage by time of day and then  charge accordingly.  California is doing it.  Presumably Washington State utilities will step up as well.

As a very useful bonus, the Smart Charger Controller senses when the grid needs more power and can temporarily stop charging the vehicle until the stress subsides.