The US Energy Department has announced a funding injection of $19.7 million, subject to appropriations, to support research and development of advanced vehicle technologies, including batteries, lightweight materials, and advanced combustion engines, as well as innovative technologies for energy-efficient transportation, mobility and systems.
It sees these investments in advanced, energy efficient transportation technologies and systems to improve national energy security and to support energy independence, reduce transportation emissions, and strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness.
The funding opportunity seeks projects in four areas of interest that apply to light, medium, and heavy-duty on-road vehicles, energy efficient mobility, and transportation infrastructure system.
Battery500 Seedling Projects: this topic seeks proof-of-concept or seedling projects that complement the VTO Battery500 Consortium’s research to more than double the specific energy (to 500 watt-hours per kilogramme) of lithium battery technologies which will result in smaller, lighter weight, less expensive battery packs, and more affordable electric vehicles.
Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) Development of Low-Cost Carbon Fiber for Lightweight Materials: this topic seeks to develop low-cost carbon fibre while advancing ICME techniques to accelerate the development-to-deployment lead time in all lightweight materials systems.
Emission Control Strategies for Advanced Combustion Engines: this topic aims to develop and demonstrate catalyst materials and after-treatment strategies that enable vehicles with advanced combustion engines to significantly improve fuel economy while meeting near-zero emissions standards.
Energy Efficient Mobility Systems Research and Development: this topic seeks to support proof-of-concept research to develop concepts that support future transportation scenarios that maximise the energy efficiency of people and/or goods movement.
The Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) accelerates development and deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, economic vitality, and quality of life. The mission of EERE is to create and sustain American leadership in the transition to a global clean energy economy. Its vision is a strong and prosperous America powered by clean, affordable, and secure energy.