This bill directs the Department of Energy (the Secretary) to run research, development, demonstration, and related programs on advanced vehicle technologies. It covers many technical areas: vehicle electrification and drivetrains; batteries, charging and extreme fast charging; power electronics and electric machines; lightweight and sustainable materials and manufacturing; vehicle recycling; hydrogen and other alternative fuels; medium- and heavy-duty vehicle systems; nonroad transportation (aviation, rail, maritime) research; cybersecurity for vehicle-grid and charging connections; and vehicle energy storage safety. The bill also creates an advisory committee, funds up to seven graduate research Centers of Research Excellence, requires periodic reports to Congress, authorizes technical assistance to State, local, and Tribal governments, and calls for interagency coordination.
If enacted, the bill would direct DOE to support development and testing of new vehicle and fuel technologies. Researchers, universities, manufacturers, fleet operators, and state or Tribal governments could apply for grants, cooperative agreements, or technical assistance described in the bill. The bill would fund programs to study battery safety, charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling, manufacturing processes, and cybersecurity of connected vehicles. It would also set up graduate centers for training engineers and scientists in automotive energy technologies.
The bill authorizes specific amounts to be appropriated for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for DOE research and demonstration activities:
The bill states goals to advance vehicle technologies that can substantially reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions, lower vehicle manufacturing and ownership costs, improve domestic availability of materials and manufacturing processes, improve battery and fuel safety, and support workforce development through graduate centers. It emphasizes coordination across federal agencies, development of standards and testing methods, and technical assistance to states, Tribes, and local governments.
No publicly available information.