Vehicle Technologies Office Announces $50 Million for Advanced Vehicle Research and Development
The Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) recently announced a funding opportunity of more than $50 million for new research projects that focus on lowering the cost and increasing the efficiency of plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) components as well as the development of models and tools to predict vehicle performance and improve fuel economy.
This funding opportunity advances the important research and development efforts outlined in the EV Everywhere Grand Challenge Blueprint released by VTO in January 2013. Technologies developed and improved under this funding opportunity could contribute to increased driving range and decreased cost of PEVs, which are essential to achieving mass market adoption.
The Energy Department will fund projects across five major areas of research and development that cover 12 areas of interest:
- Advanced lightweighting and propulsion materials: Advanced materials are essential to reducing vehicle weight while maintaining performance and safety. Projects selected in this area will contribute to research in cast magnesium alloys, high-strength steel, and dissimilar material joining.
- Advanced battery development: Advances in battery technology can result in less expensive, more efficient batteries that can enable greater all-electric range. Projects selected in this area will improve cell chemistry, composition, and processing; contribute to battery modeling; or develop advanced electrolytes for next generation lithium-ion cells.
- Power electronics: Improving power electronics can lower the cost, improve the efficiency, and decrease the weight of electric traction systems in PEVs. Projects selected in this area will develop lower-cost inverters and capacitors that are capable of withstanding much higher temperatures than current technology and can be commercially manufactured.
- Advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems: High efficiency heating and cooling systems can significantly increase efficiency in conventional vehicles and increase all-electric driving range in PEVs while providing a comfortable temperature for passengers. Projects selected in this area will develop and demonstrate technologies to reduce these auxiliary loads.
- Fuels and lubricants: Fuels and lubricants can increase the efficiency of both future vehicles and those already on the road. Projects selected in this area are expected to improve the fuel efficiency of light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
As part of the Advanced Vehicle Power Technology Alliance between the Department of Energy and the Department of the Army, the Army is contributing $23.5 million towards co-funding in several areas where there are joint development opportunities.
VTO will be accepting applications until April 29 for the funding opportunity from industry, national laboratories, and university led teams to enable technologies that will drive innovation in vehicle design. Visit the EERE Exchange website for more information and to apply for this solicitation. Visit the Vehicle Technologies' Funding Opportunity section for other current and past solicitation announcements.