In a statement, the DOE highlighted the fact that transportation emits more carbon pollution than any other sector of the U.S. economy, making up approximately 29% of emissions. The investment is geared towards reaching President Biden’s goals of having zero-emission vehicles make up half of all vehicles sold in America by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions economy-wide by 2050.
“As America’s solutions department, DOE is working with manufacturers and industry partners to reimagine vehicle transportation across the country to achieve our climate goals—from lowering carbon emissions to increasing efficiency and affordability,” said Secretary Granholm. “This investment and the innovations that come from it will help shape our clean energy future and strengthen domestic manufacturing that support good-paying careers for hardworking Americans.”
The investment falls under the umbrella of the SuperTruck project, which is now into its third incarnation. SuperTruck 3 will work to improve medium- and heavy-duty truck efficiencies and reduce emissions of freight transportation.
In addition, the investment will fund five heavy vehicles manufacturers with a combined $127 million to pioneer electrified medium- and heavy-duty trucks and freight system concepts to achieve higher efficiency and zero emissions. Projects will be funded over five years, subject to appropriations, and recipients will match federal funding, dollar-for-dollar:
PACCAR, Volvo Group North America, Daimler Trucks North America, Ford Motor Company and General Motors are all involved in the plans. A complete list of projects selected under Vehicle Technologies Office’s Low GHG funding opportunity, can be found here.
Commenting on the DOE investment, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell said:
“If we are serious about combating climate change, keeping good-paying jobs here at home, and boosting the American supply chain, we need strong federal policies and strategic investments in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, in a separate announcement, the DOE also released the Low Greenhouse Gas (GHG) funding opportunity that will invest $71 million in 20 research, development, and demonstration projects. The money will be allocated to industry, academia, and non-profits including Clean Cities Coalitions, with a view to creating solutions to reduce emissions for on- and off-road vehicles as well as accelerating the expansion of EV infrastructure and charging.