The U.S. Department of Energyʼs Vehicle Technologies Office will provide approximately 43 million dollars through the fiscal year of 2024 to support battery technology projects. The funding will be used to support research, development and deployment in key areas critical to the future of electric vehicles and their batteries. The focus will be on reducing manufacturing costs, improving safety, and strengthening the domestic supply chain for battery materials. The funding is part of the United Statesʼ long-term goal of achieving a zero-emissions transportation sector by 2050.
Development of high-energy cathodes
Projects to be funded include those aimed at reducing battery cell manufacturing costs by at least 30 percent and increasing manufacturing capacity by at least 50 percent. Another main objective is the development of concepts to reduce the risk of thermal incidents and associated fires in electric vehicles. In addition, research and production of silicon-based lithium cells that meet the performance requirements of modern electric vehicles will be supported. Development of high-energy cathodes made from novel materials such as metal chalcogenides or oxides, which have a higher energy density than todayʼs nickel cathodes, will also receive financial contributions.
