US DOE seeks comment on funding of vehicle performance and fuel economy research
13 February 2013
US Energy Department on February 1 invited public comment on an upcoming $50 million solicitation for new research projects to improve vehicle performance and increase fuel economy. The Department is distributing a draft of the solicitation and will release the final version after a period of public comment and revision.
The draft proposes funds for projects across five major areas of vehicle technology research and development:
- Advanced lightweighting and propulsion materials: Projects selected in this area will contribute to research in cast magnesium alloys, high-strength steel, and dissimilar material joining.
- Advanced battery development: Projects 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: Projects will develop lower-cost capacitors that are capable of withstanding much higher temperatures than current technology and can be commercially manufactured.
- Advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems: 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 Energy Department and the US Department of the Army, the Army plans to contribute $3.5 million in co-funding for several areas where there are joint development opportunities.
Source: US DOE