$175 Million in Grants from the Energy Department for Advanced Vehicle Technology

The environmentally advanced technologies are heading towards a bright future, since more manufacturers see them as the next natural step for the industry. But the eco-friendly change can not happen without proper funding. Thus, the Energy Department has announced more than $175 million in grants as a helping hand for developing advanced vehicle technologies.

The program is expected to offer grants for nine projects in Michigan adding to a total of about $46 million and also to other 40 projects in 25 states. The funding program targets technologies as lightweight materials, advanced batteries, new fluids and developing methods to increase engine efficiency. The funding will stretch trough a period of of three to five years.

“The Department of Energy is investing in new advanced technologies that will significantly improve vehicle fuel economy, save consumers money, and create skilled jobs for Americans. Investments in the next generation of autos will strengthen our economy and lead to a more fuel-efficient, clean energy future," Steven Chu the Energy Secretary was quoted as saying by Detroit Free Press.

The nine projects targeted in Michigan include two grants for General Motors of $6 million, Chrysler also received $10 million and Ford which also received grants adding to $2.7 million. Others on the list were batteries developers like DENSO receiving a $2.6 million and the United States Automotive materials Partnership, in Southfield, received two grants. $3 millions to “design, engineer, fabricate, and test an integrated magnesium-intensive automotive assembly focused on a 45 percent weight reduction,” and another $3.5 million to “validate crash models for carbon-fiber composites.”