The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on Jan. 18 announced more than $131 million in funding for advanced research and development projects in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and charging systems.
The funding will also forward a consortium to address priorities for the next phase of wide-scale EV commercialization that will work toward developing advanced technologies to decarbonize transportation and support EV manufacturing and battery supply R&D.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is helping drive forward the innovation and research needed to provide clean, cheap and accessible transportation solutions for all Americans,” U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David M. Turk said. “The investments announced today will supercharge the development of a convenient and reliable EV network, and expand the domestic battery supply chain—securing our nation’s energy independence and spurring economic opportunity.”
The DOE awarded $71 million to 27 projects that will develop innovative and equitable clean mobility options, increase the driving range of EVs, and alleviate EV battery supply chain concerns. Funded through DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the projects will help lower the cost of EV batteries, improve the efficiency and convenience of public transportation, and advance on-board EV charging systems.
The U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium LLC will receive $60 million for pre-competitive, vehicle-related advanced battery R&D that will focus on priorities for the next phase of EV commercialization. Located in Southfield, Mich., the consortium will focus on enhancing EV battery performance, building batteries using earth-abundant and domestically available materials and making battery recycling more cost-efficient.