The Department of Energy has set aside a total of USD 175 million for the next three to five years in order to accelerate the development and application of new vehicle technologies. The project in which Nanosys is involved investigates ways of improving batteries for electric cars.

Driving 55 miles on one gallon of petrol – at present, that seems quite a long way. After all, it corresponds to 4.3 liters per hundred kilometers. And this is the figure the U.S. president is aiming for with regard to the fleet consumption of U.S. car manufacturers for cars and pick-up trucks by 2025. These are responsible for 50% of U.S. oil consumption. Background: The aim is to reduce U.S. dependence on oil imports; positive side-effects will be lower CO2 emissions and less pollution. The new targets were announced at the end of July by Barack Obama and leading car manufacturers.

To achieve these targets, it will be necessary to optimize existing technologies and develop new ones. The sum will be used to support 40 projects in 15 States. The main goal is to optimize fuel consumption. The focuses will be better fuels and lubricants, lighter materials, longer-life and cheaper batteries for electric vehicles and components, more efficient drive technologies and much more.

The initiative also hits home with the population since, according to a recent survey by Maritz Research, more than 40% of U.S. consumers consider their next car’s fuel consumption to be extremely important. The government’s program also hopes that the lower gas costs will compensate consumers for the acquisition costs of the low-consumption vehicles.

Nanostart press release on its holding Nanosys >>

Announcement by President Obama on improved fuel efficiency >>

Press release from the U.S Department of Energy on the subsidy program >>

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