Seemingly in direct response to Ford Mark Fields’ request for more government funding when it comes to developing plug-in hybrids, the U.S. Department of Energy announced yesterday it will offer up to $30 million over three years to further the cause.
The money will be spent on three Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), helping to develop a cost-competitive PHEV by 2014 and one that’s ready for commercialization by 2016. The government will work with three auto manufacturers, to be chosen between now and 2011. The selected partners will need to match the DOE’s investment in developing a vehicle that is capable of travelling 40 miles without recharging.
After the first round of applications, the first three manufacturers that are being considered are the Detroit-based Big Three. General Motors will co-op with the DOE on a project meant to develop lithium-ion battery packs, charging systems, powertrain development as well as vehicle integration and validation. The resulting PHEVs will then be tested in three U.S. regions with varying environments over a three-year period.
With the DOE’s help, Ford would focus on developing a commercial mass-production system for PHEVs, including developing battery systems and creating prototypes.
General Electric, which yesterday partnered with Chrysler, will concentrate on the integration of a new dual-battery energy storage system into vehicles.
A second round of applications is due for announcement on July 18.
“The projects announced today demonstrate a shared public-private sector commitment to advance clean vehicle technologies and will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil while also confronting the serious challenge of global climate change,†said DOE Assistant Secretary Andy at yesterday’s Plug-In Electric Vehicles 2008: What Role for Washington? conference.
