This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

The price of gasoline might affect this year’s summer road trip, but a new technology could change that for the future. University researchers have created a system that enables vehicles to not only run on electricity, but also to store and provide electricity for utilities. The technology lets electricity flow from the car’s battery to power lines and back. This capability could earn cash for the cars’ drivers. Utilities currently pay millions to generating stations that help balance the grid, but researchers say the the value of each car providing that same service could be around $4,000 a year, some of which could be paid to drivers. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware, the Delaware Sea Grant College Program, and this station.