The House of Representatives voted today to build on the success of the Department of Energy’s vehicle technology programs, such as FutureCar and the 21st Century Truck Partnership, which boost American manufacturing innovation and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.  The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act, which creates a comprehensive national vehicle research and development program, passed on a bipartisan vote of 312 to 114.

“A full partnership between the federal government and the domestic auto industry is vital to develop the cars and trucks of the future and build them here in the United States,” said Rep. Levin.  “As consumers traded in their vehicles under the CARS program they demonstrated the demand for cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles.  We must ensure that the United States leads the way in developing the cars of the future.”

The legislation calls for $2.9 billion over five years to develop hybrid or fully-electrified vehicle propulsion systems, hydrogen fuel cells, engine energy efficiency technologies, waste heat recovery systems, friction and wear reduction technologies, and other technologies.  The measure specifies that the program be conducted in cooperation with vehicle and component manufacturers, service providers, fuel companies, energy suppliers and utilities, universities, laboratories, and state and local government agencies.

The bill also specifies that up to $200 million per year be devoted to research and development projects devoted to advanced technology for medium and heavy duty trucks.  This complements legislation Representative Levin has introduced which extends the existing tax credits for the purchase of medium and heavy duty trucks for five years and doubles the amount of the credits.

“Medium and heavy duty vehicles move 80% of the goods transported in the US, serve as utility maintenance vehicles, and perform refuse collection services in our communities.   It is estimated that the fuel consumption of the 90,000 refuse collection trucks in the US is equivalent to 2.5 million passenger vehicles. Putting as few as 10,000 hybrid electric trucks on the road would reduce diesel fuel use by 7.2 million gallons per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 83,000 tons” said Rep. Levin.

Rep. Levin’s legislation, the Heavy Duty Hybrid Truck Incentives Improvement Act, would also expand the credit to cover purely electric trucks, and make the credits more accessible for the very largest vehicles.