The Department of Energy has launched the SuperTruck 3 initiative, which is aimed at electrifying trucking, along with efforts to expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and lower emissions for on- and off-road vehicles.
Firstly, the initiative contemplates a $162 million investment opportunity, aimed at projects to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions among cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles. The initiative is the third phase of the SuperTruck initiatives started back in 2009.
Secondly, the transportation sector accounts for approximately 30% of total U.S. energy needs and generates the largest share of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, making this sector greener will play a key role in achieving environmental goals set by the Biden administration.
Consequently, the SuperTruck 3 initiative seeks to address the two largest contributors to transportation sector emissions; passenger cars and also light-duty trucks, which are responsible for nearly 60%; and medium- and heavy-duty trucks, which cover nearly a quarter.
Thirdly, the past SuperTruck initiatives achieved great results. The first one was launched in 2009 by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). It was aimed to improve heavy-duty truck freight efficiency by 50%.
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SuperTruck initiatives surpassed their objectives
While the second SuperTruck initiative, launched in 2016, sought to double fuel efficiency for 18-wheeler trucks. Both attracted over 99% of the U.S. truck market and ultimately surpassed its initial objectives.
Moreover, for SuperTruck 3, EERE’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO); and also Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office offered a $100 million investment for over 4 years. This, to pioneer electrified medium and heavy-duty trucks; as well as freight system concepts to achieve even higher efficiency and lower emissions.
In addition, Energy Secretary, Jennifer M. Granholm, said. “Getting to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 means we must aggressively cut down the largest source of emissions: the transportation sector.”
Finally, she also added. “DOE’s first two SuperTruck initiatives led the biggest truck makers in the American semi market to take massive leaps in fuel efficiency. Therefore, this new funding triples down on that progress with a push towards electrifying trucks of all sizes; along with efforts to also expand EV charging access and develop low-emission car engines.”
Find out more information about applications, here.
