I love how we've gone from questioning the reality of plug-in hybrid vehicle integration to figuring out how to best accommodate plug-in hybrids into our electric infrastructure.

According to reports, Google is now in the early stages of developing a process to write software that would integrate plug-ins to the grid while minimizing strain on the grid and assisting utilities in the management of vehicle charging.

Google has already been active in developing technology that would allow plug-ins to work as back-up power sources - enabling the parked vehicles to actually send power to the grid during peak hours.

Back in 2007, the company launched its RechargeIT initiative, which was designed to reduce CO2 emissions, cut oil use and stabilize the grid by accelerating the adoption of plug-ins. Utilizing their own plug-in vehicles, early data has shown these vehicles delivering as much as 93 miles per gallon across all trips, and 115 miles per gallon for city trips.

You can see the results here.

Jeff