Announcing the Apps for Vehicles Challenge

By Patrick B. Davis, Vehicle Technologies program manager

Here at the Energy Department's Vehicle Technologies Program, we’re revved up about the next great smartphone app: yours.

That's why we're launching the Apps for Vehicles Challenge, which is looking for the best business plans, app ideas, and product designs that use open vehicle data to help vehicle owners save fuel, save money, and stay safe.

Improving fuel efficiency is a national priority. With the country spending about $1 billion per day on foreign oil, the Obama Administration spearheaded changes to fuel economy standards that will double fuel efficiency for cars and light trucks by 2025. Automotive manufacturers are working to meet this target, but everyday drivers, businesses, and the public sector can also contribute toward meeting these national goals. For example, the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Program is managing some of the most fascinating research projects and deployment programs in the country to support the cars and trucks of the future. Furthermore, in terms of what individual vehicle owners or fleet managers can do, there is an emerging set of tools that leverage open data to improve safety and fuel efficiency. For the complete story, see the Energy Blog.

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Announcing $4 Million for Wireless EV Charging

Imagine being able to charge an electric vehicle—on the go or at home—without ever having to plug in.

A new funding opportunity from the Energy Department seeks to accomplish just that. We're announcing up to $4 million to develop wireless chargers for electric vehicles (EVs). This funding opportunity is made available through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Vehicle Technologies Program.

EV wireless charging has the potential to accelerate the adoption of EVs—by making them more convenient for consumers to charge, whether they’re at home or away, and to reduce the total energy storage requirements of EVs, unlocking the benefits of lighter and smaller battery packs, lighter vehicles, higher efficiency and longer ranges. Read the complete story in the Energy Department's Energy Blog.

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