The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced more than $45m for 38 new projects that strengthen the research and development of advanced transport technologies.
These vehicle technologies are aimed at improving fuel efficiency, lowering transportation costs and protecting the environment in communities nationwide.
US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said that by partnering with universities, private industry and national labs, the Energy Department is helping to build a strong 21st century transportation sector that cuts harmful pollution, creates jobs and leads to a more sustainable energy future.
"By improving the fuel economy of our cars and trucks, we can save families and businesses money at the pump and better protect our air and water," Moniz added.
The 38 projects announced cover five major areas critical to advanced transportation technologies such as lightweighting and propulsion materials; efficient batteries, power electronics, fuels and lubricants; and efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
For the advanced lightweighting and propulsion materials area, the agency has alloted $10.2m for 15 projects to increase fuel economy of cars and trucks.
DOE has allotted $22.5m to improve cell chemistry and composition of batteries, develop advanced electrolytes, and create new battery design tools through 13 projects.
In the field of power electronics, the agency will introduce four projects with an investment of $8m to reduce the cost of a plug-in electric vehicle inverter by more than 30%.
For the fuels and lubricants sector, an investment of $2.5m has been allocated for four projects to develop advanced fuels and lubricants, to reduce friction losses and increase the efficiency of cars.
Two projects with $4m investment will reduce the impact of heating and cooling on plug-in electric vehicles that reduce battery demands and improve range by 20-30%.
Besides this, Department of the Army will contribute $3m to support projects on lightweighting and propulsion materials, batteries, fuels and lubricants through the Advanced Vehicle Power Technology Alliance with EOD.
