U.S. Department of Energy Announces $131 Million to Boost America's Battery Supply Chain

In a major stride towards a greener future, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a substantial investment of over $131 million for projects dedicated to advancing research and development (R&D) in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and charging systems. This move is part of a broader initiative to address critical priorities for the next phase of widespread EV commercialization.

Biden-Harris Administration's Vision for Clean Transportation

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David M. Turk highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to driving innovation and research, with a focus on providing clean, affordable, and accessible transportation solutions for all Americans. The investments aim to propel the development of a convenient and reliable EV network while simultaneously expanding the domestic battery supply chain—a crucial step towards ensuring the nation's energy independence and fostering economic opportunities.

DOE's significant investment in projects

The DOE has announced funding for 27 projects, totaling $71 million, designed to foster innovative and equitable clean mobility options. These projects aim to address supply chain concerns for EV batteries, reduce costs, and enhance EV drive range. The selected projects include initiatives to:

• Lower the cost of EV batteries using abundant materials, focusing on long life-cycle, high-energy density lithium sulfur batteries.
• Improve the efficiency and convenience of public transportation through the development and demonstration of system-level approaches to equitable mobility access.
• Advance on-board EV charging systems by researching and demonstrating innovative charging solutions, including bi-directional charging.
• Increase EV drive range by developing sustainable lightweight materials, such as door panels and EV battery enclosures.

Focus on Research and Development

The United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC) based in Southfield, Michigan, has been awarded $60 million for pre-competitive, vehicle-related advanced battery R&D. This funding addresses critical priorities for the next phase of widespread EV commercialization. The consortium is dedicated to researching and developing electric vehicle batteries with improved performance, utilizing materials that are abundant on Earth, and implementing more cost-effective processes for recycling batteries.

The USABC aims to accelerate battery R&D that meets the needs of EV manufacturers, contributing to the domestic battery supply chain and recycling ecosystem—a vital aspect of meeting the growing demand for EV batteries.

Commitment to Community Benefits

To ensure the benefits of a clean transportation system are equitably shared, all applicants for Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) funding opportunities were required to include a community benefits plan. This plan addresses objectives such as enhancing environmental sustainability, promoting social equity, and supporting economic development within communities.

It's important to note that being chosen for award negotiations by the DOE doesn't guarantee an award or funding commitment. The subsequent negotiations between the DOE and the applicants will unfold, and the DOE maintains the authority to terminate these negotiations and withdraw the selection at its discretion.