Keaton PetersA new funding opportunity is looking to grow zero-emissions vehicle capabilities across multiple economic sectors including trucking and agriculture. The U.S. Department of Energy is investing in next-generation vehicle technologies, announcing up to $88 million in new funding for research and development projects spanning electric vehicles, batteries and agricultural transportation.
The funding, announced through DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), will support 10 distinct topic areas ranging from improving electric vehicle battery safety to developing renewable fuel solutions for agricultural vehicles. The program looks to accelerate innovation in transportation while strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains.
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Three of the program’s topic areas focus specifically on battery technology improvements. This includes developing technologies for enhanced lithium-ion cell safety, exploring low-cost lithium production methods and creating batteries with longer life cycles specifically designed for heavy-duty electric trucks.
The program also looks beyond passenger vehicles to address agricultural transportation needs. Through the Co-located Renewable Fuel and Off-road vehicle Pilots (CROP) initiative, DOE looks to demonstrate locally produced renewable fuels for agricultural use, leveraging farms’ unique position as both fuel feedstock producers and vehicle operators.
Another significant focus area is grid integration. The program will fund research into optimized grid planning for electric vehicles using Advanced Metering Infrastructure, working to accelerate EV charging deployment while ensuring grids remain reliable and efficient in managing electricity loads.
Workforce development also receives attention in the funding notice. A dedicated topic area will support outreach and partnership-building efforts to ensure America has the skilled workforce needed to support growing electric vehicle adoption. Projects under this category must partner with DOE’s Clean Cities and Communities coalitions.
The funding opportunity follows a two-step application process, with concept papers due April 1, 2025, and full applications due June 18, 2025. DOE expects to announce selections in November 2025, with award negotiations beginning in February 2026. Applications can be submitted through the EERE Exchange portal on the DOE website.
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