The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a new $43 million funding initiative aimed at propelling research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) in critical areas of advanced electric vehicle (EV) battery technology. 

In detail, this investment by the DOE is set to drive innovation in the EV sector, focusing on improving battery performance, safety, and manufacturing processes. As this funding is administered through the DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), it also aligns with the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, a comprehensive strategy to eliminate emissions from the transportation sector by 2050. 

According to the DOE, these are the five key areas have been identified for the fiscal year 2024 funding:

Moreover, the DOE actively encourages participation from underserved communities and underrepresented groups in STEM fields, promoting diversity in project teams.

Furthermore, this initiative follows a larger $3.5 billion funding round announced in November last year to boost domestic battery production, spotlighting the DOE’s goal to establish a strong U.S.-based supply chain for EV components. Notably, the DOE recently reported a 90% cut in lithium-ion battery pack costs for light-duty EVs between 2008 and 2023, showing the progress from effort lie this from the DOE and the overall EV industry.

Read More: U.S. DOE Report Reveals 90% Drop In Lithium-Ion Battery Costs For EVs From 2008 To 2023

By advancing battery technologies for safe and efficient zero-emission EVs, the focus on cost reduction, performance improvement, and safety enhancement aims to accelerate the widespread EV adoption while contributing to the nation’s broader decarbonization goals. Applications for these grants will be accepted until the end of October, with funding projected to be distributed between March and June 2025.

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