Under the Department of Energy's expansive EV Everywhere Grand Challenge Blueprint (PDF), there are several key research, education and policy initiatives aimed at putting millions of plug-in vehicles on US roads by 2022.
Last week, the D.O.E. announced a new funding opportunity intended to increase the efficiency and performance of plug-in electric vehicles. While most observers point to batteries as the key to advancing consumer acceptance of plug-in cars, the D.OE. will select worthy research projects that fall under five different categories, all of which will play a role in increasing range, lowering cost, and enhancing the EV driving experience:
Advanced battery development: Increasing range is key. Advances in battery technology can result in less expensive and more efficient batteries. Projects selected in this area will improve cell chemistry, composition, and processing; contribute to battery modeling; or develop advanced electrolytes for next generation lithium-ion cells.
Advanced lightweighting and propulsion materials: Advanced materials are essential to reducing vehicle weight while maintaining performance and safety, especially in plug-in cars. Projects selected in this area will contribute to research in cast magnesium alloys, high-strength steel, and dissimilar material joining.
Advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems: Auxiliary loads like heating and cooling can kill range. They have a greater impact on the efficiency of EVs than conventional vehicles. High efficiency heating and cooling systems can significantly increase all-electric driving range while providing a comfortable temperature for passengers. Projects selected in this area will develop and demonstrate technologies to reduce these auxiliary loads.
Power electronics: Improving power electronics can lower the cost, improve the efficiency, and decrease the weight of electric traction systems in plug-in cars. Projects selected in this area will develop lower-cost inverters and capacitors that are capable of withstanding much higher temperatures than current technology and can be commercially manufactured.
Fuels and lubricants: Fuels and lubricants can increase the efficiency of both future vehicles and those already on the road. Projects selected in this area are expected to improve the fuel efficiency of light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Applications for this funding opportunity must be submitted by the end of April 2013.
Ultimately, the goal of the DOE, as laid out in the EV Everywhere Grand Challenge Blueprint, is to make plug-in vehicles as affordable to own and operate as today's gasoline-powered automobiles.
Great news. I much prefer to spend my tax money this way than in Afghanistan.