The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced funding of up to $133 million for advanced vehicle technologies research. Funding will support research focused on creating solutions which are affordable, efficient and which help secure transportation energy.
Advanced batteries and electrification technologies are among the projects supported by the new funding opportunity as part of the DOE's previously announced DOE Energy Storage Grand Challenge. Research funding will also support development of advanced engine and fuel technologies for off-road applications, lightweight materials, new mobility technologies and alternative fuel demonstrations.
Topic areas for funding include:
Batteries and Electrification (up to $40 million)
- Lithium-ion batteries using silicon- based anodes
- Low cost electric traction drive systems using no heavy rare earth materials utility managed smart charging supporting projects that will demonstrate managed and controlled charging loads for a large number of vehicles.
Advanced Combustion Engines and Fuels (up to $27.5 million)
- Platinum group metals content reduction to enable cost-effective after-treatment for gasoline and diesel engines
- Improved efficiency of medium- and heavy-duty natural gas and propane (LPG) engines
- Energy-efficient off-road technologies directly applicable to agriculture sector and/or other off-road vehicles
- Two-stroke, opposed-piston engine research and development
Materials Technology (up to $15 million)
- Lightweight and high-performance fiber-reinforced polymer composites for vehicle applications
Energy Efficient Mobility Systems (up to $13.5 million)
- Improving transportation system efficiency through better utilization
- Enabling vehicle and infrastructure connectivity
- Improving mobility, affordability, and energy efficiency through transit
Technology Integration (up to $36 million)
- Gaseous fuels technology demonstration projects
- Alternative fuel proof-of-concept in new communities and fleets
- Electric vehicle and charging community partner projects
- Technology integration open topic
Transportation and Energy Analysis (up to $1.2 million)
Concept papers are due February 21, 2020, and full applications will be due April 14, 2020. More information and application requirements can be found on the EERE Exchange website.