Energy Dept to Invest $137M in Vehicle Efficiency Tech Projects

The Energy Department plans to invest up to $137 million in two technology development programs that aim to increase energy efficiency of trucks and passenger cars.

DoE said Tuesday it will award $20 million in federal funds to Cummins, Daimler Trucks North America, Navistar and Volvo Technology of America as part of the SuperTruck II initiative.

The four companies will match DoE’s investment to help develop technologies that could double the freight efficiency of Class 8 trucks or 18-wheelers under the SuperTruck II program, the department noted.

David Friedman, DoE acting assistant secretary, said the program is a follow-on to the SuperTruck I program that has introduced 20 fuel-saving technologies to the commercial market.

The department also plans to distribute $57 million in grant funds to 35 projects through the Vehicle Technologies Office Program Wide Selections.

The projects seek to build and implement vehicle technologies such as batteries and electric drive systems that will work to reduce carbon emissions and petroleum consumption of passenger cars and light trucks, DoE added.