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DOE Selects Consortium to Develop Next-Generation Batteries for Automobiles

May 14, 2013 by Jeff Shepard

The U.S. Energy Department today announced the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium will lead an industry-wide effort to accelerate development of high-efficiency, cost-effective battery technologies for electric vehicles. By investing in these cutting-edge battery technologies, the Energy Department is helping to cut America's oil imports and provide American families and businesses with more transportation options.

The U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium, located in Southfield, Michigan and managed by Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors, will solicit, fund, and manage cooperative research and development projects to improve next-generation advanced energy storage technologies for vehicles. As part of the initiative, the consortium will engage U.S. battery and component manufacturers, universities, and the national laboratories to coordinate research on advanced energy storage technologies for hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and all-electric vehicles.

Selected through a competitive solicitation, the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium will receive $12.5 million annually over five years, subject to congressional appropriations. The Energy Department's investment will be met dollar-for-dollar with cost-share funding from the private sector.