US DOE to issue funding for development of medium-, heavy-duty plug-in electric vehicles

To issue the funding opportunity in June 2016

The US Department of Energy (DOE) will issue a USD22.3 million funding opportunity for vehicle technologies that will include medium- and heavy-duty plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), direct injection propane engine and alternative fuel vehicle community partner projects, according to Green Car Congress. The objective under the area of medium- and heavy-duty PEVs is to research, develop, and demonstrate medium- and heavy-duty (classes 3-7) PEVs, including vehicles that can provide power for ancillary services or exportable power, and/or vehicles with connected and autonomous capabilities with an emphasis on electrification. The projects under the area will develop and demonstrate plug-in electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that use a significant amount of grid electricity for vehicle propulsion. The project will consist of three phases — component development, powertrain integration into vehicles, and demonstration for at least one year. DOE plans to issue the funding opportunity in June 2016.