US firms GE and Juice Technologies have partnered to jointly develop intelligent plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging devices.

Under the deal, GE will provide its smart meter technology and communication capabilities and Juice will supply its patent-pending Plug Smart engine technology.

The chargers will help consumers charge their cars during low-demand, lower cost time periods as well as allowing the utilities to better control the electricity demand and take on the added load of electric vehicles without over taxing their grids, according to GE.

The team plans to launch the chargers in the US in the second quarter of 2010, followed by global availability.