DOE targets advanced vehicle technologies research

The Department of Energy (DOE) recently earmarked $80 million toward 42 projects as a means of fostering vehicle technologies research.

Officials said the endeavor enables exploration of more affordable mobility, strengthening domestic energy security, reducing dependence on foreign sources of critical materials, and enhancing economic growth.

“Improving the affordability of transportation for American consumers and businesses keeps our economy moving,” Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said. “By investing in a broad range of technologies, DOE is ensuring America remains at the forefront of innovation.”

The work supports DOE’s goal to invest in early-stage research of transportation technologies, per officials, giving families and businesses greater choice in how they meet mobility needs.

Officials said selected projects would cover areas such as batteries and electrification to develop technologies to recharge multiple electric vehicles quickly and at very high extreme power levels, high-temperature combustion environments that can be used to accelerate the introduction of new materials into advanced vehicles, and technology integration to unite key stakeholders in partnerships to provide data on the impact of mobility services and solutions.

The DOE said off-road and Fluid Power Systems research would focus on improving the energy efficiency of off-road vehicles used in construction, agriculture, and mining applications.