US DOE announces $137 million in funding for vehicle efficiency technologies
20 August 2016
The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced $137 million in funding for two programs (subject to appropriations) to accelerate the development of commercial and passenger vehicle efficiency technologies.
One initiative, SuperTruck II, will fund four projects to develop and demonstrate cost-effective technologies that more than double the freight efficiency of Class 8 trucks, commonly known as 18-wheelers. As announced earlier, the SuperTruck II projects have been awarded $80 million in total federal funding.
Through another initiative, the Vehicle Technologies Office Program-Wide Selections, 35 new projects will receive $57 million to develop a wide array of new vehicle technologies, including advanced batteries and electric drive systems, to reduce carbon emissions and petroleum consumption in passenger cars and light trucks.
The SuperTruck II builds on the SuperTruck I program, which was a major component of the 21st Century Truck Partnership. In 2010, the Us DOE launched the SuperTruck initiative to improve heavy-duty truck freight efficiency by 50%. These trucks haul 80% of goods in the United States and use about 28 billion gallons of fuel per year, accounting for around 22% of total transportation energy usage—presenting a significant opportunity for carbon emissions reduction and energy savings in the transportation sector. Three of the four SuperTruck teams (Cummins-Peterbilt, Daimler, Volvo) have exceeded the 50% goal. The fourth team (Navistar) is expected to reach the target this year.
For SuperTruck II, the DOE has selected the following four SuperTruck II teams for projects of $20 million in federal funding, with each recipient matching that amount:
- Cummins, Inc. will design and develop a new more efficient engine and advanced drivetrain and vehicle technologies.
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC will develop and demonstrate a tractor-trailer combination using a suite of technologies including active aerodynamics, cylinder deactivation, hybridization, and the electrification of accessories.
- Navistar, Inc. will design and develop a vehicle and powertrain with electrified engine components that can enable higher engine efficiency and a significantly more aerodynamically re-engineered cab.
- Volvo Technology of America LLC will develop and demonstrate a tractor trailer combination with lightweight cab that achieves the freight efficiency goal using alternative engine designs and a variety of system technologies.
Source: US DOE