August 16, 2019

DOE gives $59M for vehicle tech research

The U.S. Department of Energy announced $59 million for 43 projects for new and innovative advanced vehicle technologies research. Funded through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, these projects address priorities in advanced batteries and electric drive systems, co-optimized engine and fuel technologies, materials for more efficient powertrains, and alternative fuels and new energy-efficient mobility systems.

A statement from the DOE noted that these projects support the Energy Department’s goals to strengthen national security, support American energy dominance, enable future economic growth, and increase transportation affordability for all Americans. “Vehicles drive our national economy,” said DOE Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes. “At DOE, we support a broad portfolio of technologies, generating the knowledge needed for industry to further develop and commercialize affordable, secure, and reliable transportation systems.”

Annually, vehicles transport 11 billion tons of freight – more than $35 billion worth of goods each day – and move people more than 3 trillion vehicle-miles. Projects selected for this research are intended to accelerate the development of lithium-metal solid-state batteries (materials, tools, and modeling), novel materials and designs for advanced electric motors, and combine new powertrain materials with new combustion regimes to significantly improve fuel economy.

Recipients of the research grants include:

• University of Maryland, College Park
• Iowa State University of Science and Technology
• University of Michigan
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• General Motors
• Pennsylvania State University
• University of Houston

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