WASHINGTON, April 6 The U.S. Department of Energy announced it will provide up to $14 million in funding for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle battery development.The Energy Department will co-fund the $28 million request made by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium. Developing a low-cost, high-energy battery is what experts believe will lead to commercialization of plug-in hybrid vehicles. The USABC and the Energy Department will accept battery proposals for the grants.The goal is to improve battery performance so vehicles can drive up to 40 miles of electric range without recharging, about the average daily commute. Fuel efficiency is part of President Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative."President Bush is committed to developing alternative fuels and energy-saving innovations for an improved and diversified array of vehicle technologies," said Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman. "By improving batteries for plug-in hybrids, we can help achieve the president's goal of reducing gasoline usage by 20 percent within the decade." The electrochemical storage technology must be capable of meeting USABC's performance, weight, lifecycle and cost criteria. Potential to commercialize the proposed battery technologies and bring them to market quickly will also be a consideration. The PHEV Request for Proposal Information deadline for submission is May 31.Copyright 2007 by UPI
