U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu has announced up to $10 million available this year to demonstrate and deploy electric transportation technologies for cargo vehicles, such as trucks and forklifts.
The DOE says it is seeking applicants for this funding opportunity to demonstrate cost-effective zero-emission cargo transport systems, as well as to collect detailed performance and cost data to analyze the benefits and viability of this approach to freight transportation. Eligibility is restricted to local governments, ports, metropolitan transportation authorities, air pollution control districts or combinations thereof operating in and/or governing either the Los Angeles South Coast Air basin (eight-hour ozone) non-attainment area or the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria non-attainment area.
Electrifying cargo transportation vehicles and infrastructure will slash petroleum use, carbon emissions, and air pollution at transportation hubs, such as ports, the DOE adds.
DOE anticipates granting up to two awards in fiscal year 2012, with the potential for additional selections in FY 2013. A minimum of 50% cost-share is required.
