DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office

Supports research in a variety of fields relating to electric and hybrid vehicles, including applied battery research.

SunShot Initiative

The DOE’s SunShot Initiative was launched in 2011 with the goal of reducing the cost of solar energy 75% by 2020, which target was met three years early. The program has set a 2030 goal to halve that target again.

Proposed Nuclear Energy Leadership Act of 2018

Would have included enhanced federal investment in the nuclear industry, establishing facilities to test and develop advanced nuclear reactors and to develop domestic capabilities to produce the type of uranium needed for advanced reactors.

Proposed Vehicle Innovation Act of 2017

Would have strengthened the DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office, authorizing R&D grants starting at $313.6 million for fiscal year 2018, with a 4% increase each year through 2022. 

Proposed BEST Act of 2019

Would amend the Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007 to create a research, development, and demonstration program for grid-scale energy storage systems.

Proposed SEA FUEL Act of 2019

Would require DOD to develop a two-phased research, development, demonstration and subsequent testing program for direct air capture and blue carbon removal technologies.

Proposed LEADING Act of 2019

Would require DOE to establish a program to develop cost-effective carbon capture technologies that can be used at natural gas-generating power facilities.