In a significant move towards bolstering the electric vehicle (EV) industry, the US Department of Energy (DOE) will invest over $131m to support the EV battery supply chain, charging infrastructure and address industry challenges.
The fiscal backing will drive various projects aimed at advancing research and development (R&D) in EV batteries and charging systems and will be directed towards a consortium targeting critical priorities for the next phase of widescale EV commercialisation.
As part of this initiative, the DOE disclosed the allocation of $71m for 27 selected projects under the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
These projects are designed to tackle key challenges and objectives across the EV battery supply chain, including reducing the cost of EV batteries, enhancing the efficiency of public transportation, and extending the range of electric vehicles.
Lowering EV battery costs and increasing range
A major focus of the funded projects is to reduce the cost of EV batteries using inexpensive, abundant materials.
Researchers aim to achieve this by developing long-life-cycle, high-energy-density lithium-sulfur batteries. Simultaneously, efforts will be directed towards increasing EV driving range through sustainable lightweight materials, including innovations in door panels and battery enclosures.
Equitable mobility and innovative EV charging infrastructure
To improve the efficiency and convenience of public transportation, some of the selected projects will explore system-level approaches to ensure equitable mobility access.
Furthermore, there will be a concentrated effort on advancing on-board EV charging systems through the research and demonstration of innovative charging technologies, including bi-directional charging.
David Turk, the US Deputy Secretary of Energy, highlighted the importance of the funding: “The Biden-Harris Administration is helping drive forward the innovation and research needed to provide clean, cheap and accessible transportation solutions for all Americans.
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.”
Accelerating EV commercialisation
The United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC) will be a significant beneficiary, receiving $60m for pre-competitive, vehicle-related advanced battery R&D.
This funding will be instrumental in addressing critical priorities in the EV battery supply chain for the next phase of widescale commercialisation. The consortium’s primary focus areas include enhanced performance EV batteries, the use of earth-abundant battery materials, and more cost-efficient battery recycling processes.
All applicants for VTO funding opportunities were mandated to include a community benefits plan. This plan aims to ensure that the benefits of a cleaner transportation system are shared equally among communities, addressing objectives related to accessibility, sustainability, and domestic economic growth.
These initiatives represent crucial steps toward securing the domestic EV battery supply chain, developing innovative solutions for electrifying the transportation sector, and ultimately achieving a clean energy future.
