Progressive automaker Toyota announced recently that they will be contributing ten electric Priuses to the SmartGridCity project, the world’s first comprehensive smart grid demonstration. Toyota’s participation in the project will allow researchers to test how plug-in EVs can fit into a smart grid.

The project is being coordinated by Xcel Energy and the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) at the University of Colorado at Boulder, a new research venture by NREL and the university. The project aims to demonstrate how a smart grid can bring enhanced reliability and visibility to grid energy use. Participants will be able to monitor and remotely-control their homes’ energy use with smart meters.