Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  April 16, 2021

DOE Drives $162 Million to Decarbonize Vehicles

The U.S. Department of Energy announced the third stage of its SuperTruck initiative, including funding of more than $162 million to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions among cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles. Passenger cars and light-duty trucks are responsible for nearly 60% of transportation sector emissions, while medium- and heavy-duty trucks account for nearly 25%.

“Getting to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 means we must aggressively cut down the largest source of emissions: the transportation sector,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm in a statement. “DOE’s first two SuperTruck initiatives led the biggest truck makers in the American semi market to take massive leaps in fuel efficiency. This new funding triples down on that progress with a push towards electrifying trucks of all sizes, along with efforts to expand EV charging access and develop low-emission car engines.”

The SuperTruck Initiatives, aimed at electrifying freight trucking and expanding EV infrastructure, and lower emissions for on- and off-road vehicles, launched in 2009 with a goal to improve heavy-duty truck freight efficiency by 50%. SuperTruck2 following in 2016, seeking to double fuel efficiency for 18-wheeler trucks. This third set of initiatives was brought about by several changing factors, including new technologies, business models, and consumer demands. According to the statement, “these changes present a unique opportunity to re-envision the trucking sector as more economical and sustainable—supporting domestic jobs, the nation’s economy, and the administration’s clean energy goals all at once.”

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