Policy News

• Clean Cities Electric Vehicle Community Readiness Workshop Webcast - May 1, 2013
  Save the date and mark your calendars for the upcoming Clean Cities Electric Vehicle Community Readiness Workshop Webcast.   Join the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program for an online webcast on May 1 from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM ET featuring leaders of the program's 16 EV...
• Electric Mobility Canada Commends British Columbia on Extending Electric Vehicle Incentives for Consumers
  March 26, 2013 - Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) and its members are pleased with the BC Government announcement to extend its Clean Energy Vehicles for BC program. The announcement by Environment Minister Terry Lake provides BC residents with another 12 months during which they can receive...
• Energy Department Accelerates the Deployment of Advanced Vehicle Technologies with Private Industry Partnerships
  Tuesday, March 3, 2013 As part of the Obama Administration's commitment to speeding the transition to more sustainable energy sources that will help drive economic growth, the Energy Department today announced 16 major U.S. employers and two stakeholder groups have joined the Workplace...
• 2013 Policy Action Plan
  ETDA Action Plan for 113th Congress
• Energy Department Announces New Investment to Advance Cost-Competitive Hydrogen Fuel
  February 14, 2013 - The Energy Department today announced a $1 million investment to analyze and evaluate potential cost-competitive pathways for producing and transporting hydrogen fuel. The project selected—led by Strategic Analysis, Inc. in Arlington, Virginia—will identify...
• Energy Department Webinar for 48C Phase II Tax Credit Applicants Rescheduled
    February 12, 2013 - The Department of Energy (DOE) will be hosting an informational webinar on the 48C Phase II Program for potential applicants on February 19, 2013, at 2:00 Eastern time (rescheduled from February 12). This initial webinar will provide information about...
• DOE and EPA Release Annual Fuel Economy Guide with 2013 Models
    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are releasing the 2013 Fuel Economy Guide , giving consumers clear and easy-to-read information to help them choose the most fuel efficient and low greenhouse gas emitting vehicles...
• Energy Department Report: Federal Investments Supporting Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Industry Innovations
    The Energy Department today released a new report on advanced fuel cell technologies that are helping American businesses reduce their energy costs and drive new market opportunities in the United States. The report, titled  Pathways to Commercial Success: Technologies and...
• Energy Department, NREL Launch Alternative Transportation Web Tools
  Compare fuel costs for different fuels with this U.S. Department of Energy web tool
• 54.5 MPG and Beyond: Fueling Energy-Efficient Vehicles
  This post was initially published on the U.S. Department of Energy blog here For many, refueling their vehicle can be disappointing. It's the only activity where consumers watch the cost add up, dollar by dollar, quickly eating up disposable income. And much of that money goes right...
• Energy Department Announces New Clean Cities Projects to Diversify U.S. Fuel Economy, Prepare for Advanced Vehicles
  Projects Across 17 States Help Communities by Streamlining Permitting and Training Local Workers
• EV Charging Stations Take Off Across America
    This post was initially published on the U.S. Department of Energy blog here Three years ago, the Energy Department announced an unprecedented series of Transportation Electrification projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Since that time, we have seen an...
• DOE announces upcoming webinar on acquiring low emissions vehicles for federal fleets
      October 24, 2012: Live Webinar on Acquiring Low Greenhouse Gas-Emitting Vehicles for Federal Fleets   The Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and General Services Administration (GSA) will present a webinar titled  Acquiring Low...
• Energy Department announces $1 million to evaluate technology pathways for cost-competitive hydrogen fuel
    In support of the Obama Administration's all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Energy Department announced today new funding to evaluate the most promising technology paths toward achieving $2 to $4 per gallon gasoline equivalent (gge) of hydrogen fuel or less by 2020. The funding will...
• DOE Clean Cities EV webinar: Promoting Best Practices for Electric Vehicle Charging Signage
    October’s Clean Cities webinar: The Electric Vehicle Quarterly Discussion webinar, titled, “ Promoting Best Practices for Electric Vehicle Charging Signage ”, is scheduled for October 11 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, 12pm MT, 11am PT . The webinar will last approximately 1.5 hours and...
• Electric Drive Transportation Association Responds to CBO Report on Federal Tax Credits for Electric Vehicle Purchases
  Brian Wynne: "A strong public-private investment in the emerging electric drive industry can provide important energy security, economic and environmental benefits to the U.S."
• 2013 Hydrogen Student Design Contest to Develop Fueling Infrastructure Plan for Northeast U.S.
    The 9th Annual Hydrogen Student Design Contest will challenge student teams to create a plan to implement a hydrogen infrastructure in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Building on the recently unveiled California Road Map for hydrogen fueling stations to support fuel cell electric...
• DOE live Webcast on Accelerating Innovation: Energy Storage
  Webinar from the Department of Energy about using cryotanks to store hydrogen when used as a vehicle fuel; research in technologies including: lithium ion batteries, electrochromic windows, the fabrication of nano-architecture electrodes for electrochemical systems, and surface atomic modification of electrode materials to improve performance.
• New Energy Department Report Shows Strong Growth in the Fuel Cell Market in 2011
  2011 Fuel Cell Technologies Market Report DOE report: Commercial markets for fuel cell technologies expanded significantly over 2011. Continued growth is forecasted through 2012.
• Turning up the heat: Argonne’s thermal cell facility puts vehicles to the test
  Argonne National Laboratory’s world-class Advanced Powertrain Research Facility (APRF) now includes a thermal chamber that can deliver temperatures ranging from frigid cold to sweltering heat. For electric-drive vehicles, scientists can observe how extreme temperatures influence the functioning of battery packs, as well as battery cooling and heating systems. Armed with this information, they can search for ways to improve battery life and energy delivery.
• Toyota launches Canada’s first Certified Used Hybrid Vehicle program
  Program ensures Canadians can buy the most proven, most popular hybrids with confidence
• GSA Vehicle to Grid Announcement
  The Department of Defense (DOD) anticipates that it will be seeking sources capable of supplying goods and services for a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) program for various DOD installations throughout the United States.
• Energy Department Invests in Hydrogen Infrastructure and Fueling Technologies
  Projects to Reduce Costs and Drive Higher Performance
• New Database Makes Costs of Energy Technologies More Transparent
  As part of the Energy Department's Open Energy Information platform (Open EI) and its continued commitment to open and transparent energy data, the Department released today a new public database featuring cost and performance estimates for electric generation, advanced vehicle, and renewable fuel technologies. The Transparent Cost Database (TCDB) provides technology cost estimates for companies, utilities, policy makers, consumers, and academics, and can be used to benchmark company costs, model energy scenarios, and inform research and development decisions. The database makes it much easier to view the range of estimates for what energy technologies, such as a utility-scale wind farm, rooftop solar installation, biofuel production plant, or an electric vehicle, might cost today or in the future.
• Energy Department and National Park Service Announce Clean Cities Partnership to Drive Sustainable National Parks
  Efforts to Help Reduce Reliance on Imported Oil, Protect America’s Natural Resources
• Changes to LEED Certification Standards Delayed
  The US Green Building Council (USGBC) last week announced that they would delay finalizing the 2012 LEED standards to fully address stakeholder input. 2009 Standard with EV Charging Infrastructure Credits to Remain Until 2013.
• DOE Webinar June 19: BNL’s Low-Platinum Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
  The Energy Department will present a live webcast titled Brookhaven National Laboratory's (BNL) Low-Platinum Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) on June 19, 2012, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
• EERE Webinar June 20: Accelerating Innovation in Fuel Cells
      June 20: Live Webcast on Accelerating Innovation in Fuel Cells   The Energy Department, in partnership with the Battelle Commercialization Council of Labs, will present a live webcast titled Accelerating Innovation: Fuel Cells on Wednesday, June 20, 2012,...
• Energy Department Announces New Investments in Innovative Manufacturing Technologies
  Research Partnerships with Private Industry Aim to Reduce Energy Use, Costs for U.S. Manufacturers, and Boost U.S. Global Competitiveness
• Energy Department Invests $54 Million to Spur Development of Transformational Manufacturing Technologies
    As part of the Administration's effort to spark a renaissance in American manufacturing, the Energy Department today announced it will invest more than $54 million in 13 projects to develop innovative technologies and materials for the industrial sector. This investment will help to...
• DOE Advanced Manufacturing office: Workshop on Building the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation - Designing for Impact II
  Workshop on Building the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation Cleveland, Ohio July 9, 2012
• Energy Department Announces Launch of Energy Innovation Hub for Critical Materials Research
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu today announced plans to invest up to $120 million over five years to launch a new Energy Innovation Hub, establishing a multidisciplinary and sustained effort to identify problems and develop solutions across the lifecycle of critical materials.
• Report 2012: The Blueprint for a - 12-Mar-2012
  The Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future: Progress Report, The White House - March 12, 2012
• Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program Presents 2012 Annual Merit Review Awards
  The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE’s) Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program presented its annual awards at the 2012 DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program and Vehicle Technologies Program Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting on May 16, 2012.
• U.S. Deputy Energy Secretary Poneman Announces New Steps to Support Clean Energy Small Businesses
  Department Announces $11 Million in Energy Innovation Grants to Nearly 70 Small Businesses, Highlights $8 Billion in Small Business Contracts
• U.S. Department of Energy Extends RFI Deadline on Hydrogen Prize
  The U.S. Department of Energy Fuel Cell Technologies Program released a Request for Information seeking ideas for topics and criteria for a potential second Hydrogen Prize competition
• Energy Department Announces Milestone in Fuel Cell Use
  Nearly 1,200 fuel cells have been deployed through the Recovery Act
• Energy Department Announces up to $5 Million to Spur Adoption of Alternative Fuel Vehicles in Communities Nationwide
  As part of President Obama's all-of-the-above energy strategy to address the high price of gasoline and reduce American dependence on foreign oil, the U.S. Department of Energy today announced up to $5 million available this year to help expand the use of alternative fuel vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), in cities and towns across the country.
• EVS26 presentation from DOE Assistant Secretary for Policy & International Affairs David Sandalow
  DOE Assistant Secretary for Policy & International Affairs on how the US transportation sector depends on oil, the President's plan, the Recovery Act, EV Everywhere, and other Federal programs and initiatives.
• 2012 Presentation David Sandalow DOE at EVS26 06-May
  DOE Assistant Secretary for Policy & International Affairs on how the US transportation sector depends on oil, the President's plan, the Recovery Act, EV Everywhere, and other Federal programs and initiatives.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Electric Vehicle Safety Technical Symposium
  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is announcing a technical symposium that will be held in Washington, DC on May 18, 2012 to discuss safety considerations for electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The symposium will include brief NHTSA presentations outlining current agency research and activities related to Li-ion batteries and Li-ion battery-powered vehicles, as well as presentations by the Department of Energy, voluntary standards bodies, and automotive and battery manufacturers. Information on the date, time, location, and framework for this public event is included in this notice. Because of space limitations, registration by May 11, 2012 is highly recommended. There are no fees to register or to attend this event.
• Michigan Company Unveils Electric Vehicle Systems Manufacturing Facility Funded by Recovery Act
  In support of President Obama's all-of-the-above energy strategy to address the high price of gasoline and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, the Energy Department today announced the opening of an electric vehicle (EV) component manufacturing facility in Grand Blanc Township.
• California Commits $100 Million to Build EV-Charging Stations
  California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. joined with the California Public Utilities Commission on March 23 to announce a $100 million dollar fund for the construction of a statewide network of charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs).
• Energy Department Announces Up to $4 Million to Develop Wireless Chargers for Electric Vehicles
  Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced up to $4 million available this year to accelerate the development and deployment of wireless charging systems for electric vehicles (EVs). Developing wireless charging systems for light-duty EVs could accelerate the adoption of these energy efficient vehicles by making them more convenient to charge, both at home and away. The Administration's investments in electric vehicles are part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce America's reliance on foreign oil and help protect American families and businesses from spikes in oil prices.
• EDTA on Executive Order to Help Bring 1.5 Million Zero-Emission Vehicles Onto California’s Roads
  “Governor Brown’s Executive Order is a welcome show of leadership in the electrification of the California fleet and will help to speed the deployment of plug-in electric vehicles and public charging infrastructure”, said Brian Wynne, President of the Electric Drive Transportation Association.
• Governor Brown Announces $120 Million Settlement to Fund Electric Car Charging Stations Across California
  Mar. 23, 2012 - Governor Edmund Brown Jr. announced a $120 million dollar settlement with NRG Energy Inc. that will fund the construction of a statewide network of charging stations for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), including at least 200 public fast-charging stations and another 10,000 plug-in units at 1,000 locations across the state.
• Obama Administration Announces $14.2 Million in New Funding to Develop Lightweight Materials for Advanced Vehicles
  Today, as President Obama went to Ohio State University to discuss the all-out, all-of-the-above strategy for American energy, the White House announced a new $14.2 million effort at the Department of Energy to accelerate the development and deployment of stronger and lighter materials for advanced vehicles that will help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, save drivers money, and limit carbon pollution.
• Energy Department Announces up to $10 Million to Promote Zero Emission Cargo Transport Vehicles
  Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced up to $10 million available this year to demonstrate and deploy electric transportation technologies for cargo vehicles, such as trucks and forklifts.
• Energy Department Announces Up to $2 Million to Collect Data from Hydrogen Fueling Stations and Demonstrate Innovations in Hydrogen Infrastructure Technologies
  Mar. 13, 2012 - As part of President Obama's all-of-the-above energy strategy to reduce America's reliance on foreign oil, the Energy Department today announced up to $2 million available this year to collect and analyze performance data for hydrogen fueling stations and advanced refueling components.
• President Obama Launches EV-Everywhere Challenge as Part of Energy Department’s Clean Energy Grand Challenges
  March 7, 2012 - Mt. Holly, N.C. – At an event today at the Daimler Truck factory in Mt. Holly, N.C., President Obama launched EV-Everywhere, the second in a series of Energy Department “Clean Energy Grand Challenges” aimed at addressing the most pressing energy challenges of our time. ...
• White House fact sheet: All-of-the-Above Approach to American Energy
  Mar. 7, 2012 - During the State of the Union Address, the President laid out a blueprint for a new era of American energy – an economy fueled by homegrown and alternative energy sources that will be designed in America and produced by American workers.
• Secretary Chu Announces Best Buy, Johnson Controls, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Veolia to Join National Clean Fleets Partnership
  Mar. 5, 2012 - Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that four new corporate partners—Best Buy, Johnson Controls, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Veolia—are joining the Energy Department's National Clean Fleets Partnership, a broad public-private partnership that assists the nation's largest fleet operators in reducing the amount of gasoline and diesel they use nationwide.
• Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program online application portal webinar
  Mar. 1, 2012 - Washington, DC – The Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program (ATVMLP), overseen by the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, is hosting a webinar on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 1pm EDT to discuss its new online application portal.
• Army unveils world's first military fleet of fuel cell vehicles
  Feb. 22, 2012 - The U.S. Army unveiled a fleet of 16 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines are testing in an effort to research renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on oil.
• DOE to Launch New Advanced Battery Energy Innovation Hub
  Feb. 7, 2012 - DOE plans to launch a new energy innovation hub for advanced research on batteries and energy storage, with an investment of up to $120 million over five years.
• Energy Department to Launch New Energy Innovation Hub Focused on Advanced Batteries and Energy Storage
  Note from the editor: this post was initially published on EERE Network News , a weekly electronic newsletter from the U.S. Department of Energy. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced today plans to launch a new Energy Innovation Hub for advanced research on...
• EDTA Applauds Obama Administration Support for Advanced Energy in 2012 State of the Union Address
  Jan. 25, 2012 - The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) responds to President Obama's 2012 State of the Union Address.
• Secretary Chu's Remarks at Detroit Economic Club
  Jan. 11, 2012 - U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announces the formation of the Energy Innovation Hub research center in his speech at at the Detroit Economic Club. The goal: to develop fresh concepts and approaches to making electric drive batteries that last longer, go farther and cost less.
• DOE Releases New Video on Electric Vehicles, Highlights Administration Support for U.S. Auto Industry in Detroit Economic Club Speech
  Jan. 9, 2012 - U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu will travel to Detroit, Mich., this week to highlight the Obama Administration’s support for the American automobile industry and the role investing in innovation will play in keeping U.S. workers and companies competitive.
• Energy Department Awards Nearly $7 Million for Research to Reduce Costs of Electric Vehicle Chargers
  Dec. 21, 2011 - As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to reduce America’s dependence on oil through advanced vehicle technologies, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced awards totaling nearly $7 million in research and development funding that will help to reduce the current costs of electric vehicle chargers by 50 percent over the next three years.
• Energy Department Awards More Than $7 Million for Innovative Hydrogen Storage Technologies in Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
  Dec. 12, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Energy today announced more than $7 million to fund four projects in California, Washington, and Oregon to advance hydrogen storage technologies to be used in fuel cell electric vehicles.
• EPAct Electric Drive Vehicle Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Published
  Oct. 31, 2011 - Additional electric drive vehicles and investments in qualified alternative fuel infrastructure, nonroad equipment, and relevant emerging technologies in DOE's State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleet Program.
• General Services Administration Electrifies the Fleet; Delivers First Electric Vehicle to Navy
  Oct. 25, 2011 - In 2009, when President Obama issued his Executive Order 13514 challenging the Federal Government to lead by example by improving energy, environmental, and economic performance, GSA answered the call.
• Update to DOE RFI on Total Costs of Ownership of Future Light-Duty Vehicles
  Oct. 21, 2011 - The DOE has issued a RFI requesting feedback on a proposed methodology and basis for assumptions to be used to estimate the total cost of ownership of various advanced vehicle technologies. This RFI is a joint effort of the Fuel Cell Technologies Program, Vehicle Technologies Program, and Biomass Program within DOE-EERE.
• DOE Releases 2011 Report on Pathways to Commercial Success for Fuel Cell Technologies
  Oct 13, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released the report
• Kicking hybrids out of carpool lanes backfires, slowing traffic for all
  Oct. 11, 2011 - Ending free access to carpool lanes by solo drivers of hybrid cars has unintentionally slowed traffic in all lanes
• Department of Energy Awards Nearly $7 Million to Advance Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Storage Systems Research
  Oct. 9, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Energy today announced nearly $7 million over five years for independent cost analyses that will support research and development efforts for fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems.
• DOT and EPA Propose New Fuel Efficiency and GHG Emission Program for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
  On Tuesday, August 9th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will announce first of their kind fuel efficiency standards from EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality that will provide tens of billions of dollars in fuel savings, dramatically reduce oil consumption and cut air pollution.
• President Obama Announces New Fuel Economy Standards
  The White House -- July 29, 2011 -- President Obama today announced the next phase in the Administration’s program to increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. These new standards will cover cars and light trucks for...
• Governor Signs Legislation to Boost Electric Vehicle Usage in Illinois
  Laws Will Help Car-Sharing Organizations to Purchase Electric Vehicles; Explore Ways to Increase Electric Vehicles Usage
• EDTA Says DOE Funding is Critical to Advancing Electric Drive Technology
• FY12 Budget Request: EDTA Testimony
  The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is the cross-industry trade association promoting the advancement of electric drive technology and electrified transportation and we are writing regarding the FY12 request for the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies and other electric drive programs.
• Senator Murkowski Seeks Comments on Draft Legislation to Address Nation’s Critical Minerals Supply Chain
  U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released a discussion draft of legislation designed to revitalize the nation's critical minerals supply chain. Murkowski is asking for public comments on the draft by May 6.
• 2011 EDTA Policy Action Plan
• Driving forward: an action plan for the electric drive era
• EDTA Submits Comments on Proposed EPA/NHTSA Rule for Window Labels
  The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) welcomes this opportunity to submit comments on the proposed revisions to the motor vehicle fuel economy label.
• FY11 Budget Request: Electric Drive Highlights
  On February 1, 2010, the Department of Energy rolled out its FY11 budget request, which overall is a good one for electric drive – particularly in the context of a discretionary spending freeze. We are pleased to maintain our priority..
• EDTA Policy Action Plan 2010
• Plug-in Vehicle Tax Credit: IRS Guidance
• Stimulus Tracker
• Climate Change
  Legislation, reports, Media, Opinion, Outlook
• State Laws and Programs
  Click here to view the U.S. Department of Energy's comprehensive list of federal and state support for advanced transporation vehicles.
• What are the obstacles?
• What is Electric Drive?
  About Plug-in Electric Vehicles About Hybrid Electric Vehicles About Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles About Battery Electric Vehicles What is Electric Drive? Testing, Simulation & Design Tools