In a further boost to the electric vehicle industry, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced more than $131 million for projects to promote research and development (R&D) in batteries and electric vehicle (EV) charging systems, and funding for a consortium to address critical priorities for the next phase of large-scale electric vehicle commercialization.

The advanced battery consortium will work to develop advanced technologies that decarbonize transportation and support research and development that address the needs of EV manufacturers and battery suppliers by interacting with key stakeholders, including universities, national laboratories, and manufacturers that supply critical materials and components to the battery industry. 

In addition, DOE also announced $46.5 million for 30 projects in 16 states and Washington, D.C. to boost electric vehicle (EV) charging performance, resiliency, and reliability; support equitable access to clean transportation solutions; and grow the clean energy workforce.

The number of EVs on America’s roads has more than quadrupled since Biden took office and these investments will be a crucial part of the Administration’s goal of building a national network of 500,000 public EV charging ports by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.  

The projects support clean transit and school bus deployment, enhance charger resiliency to hurricanes and wildfires, and accelerate workforce development pre-apprenticeship programs, extending the benefits of clean transportation and access to charging and effective workforce development to communities across the country, including throughout rural, urban, and tribal areas. Several projects make use of complementary funding from other federal programs, creating a multiplier effect to ensure community success.