USABC’s four RFPIs, for consideration of contracts that will include a 50 percent minimum cost share by developers, are for 1) development of advanced high performance batteries for electric vehicle (EV) applications; 2) development of advanced energy storage systems for high-power, lower energy-energy storage system (LEESS) for power-assist hybrid electric vehicle (PAHEV) applications; 3) development of advanced high-performance batteries for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) applications; and 4) a technology assessment of proposed advanced battery technologies for EV applications.
The RFPIs for advanced battery development are aimed at developers with electrochemical energy storage technologies that are capable of meeting or approaching the USABC long-term criteria for electric vehicle applications (www.uscar.org/usabc).
The RFPI for the Development of Advanced High-Performance Batteries for EV Applications seeks proposal information to re-engage development activity for high energy-to-power-ratio batteries, specifically those which use a carbon-based material (graphitic or otherwise) as the negative electrode active material.
The RFPI for the Development of Advanced Energy Storage Systems for High-Power, LEESS for PAHEV Applications seeks proposal information to develop advanced energy storage systems for PAHEV applications. The objective is to design, develop, fabricate, deliver and test advanced storage systems that meet USABC goals. The main technical challenges, which should be addressed to improve automotive market penetration of energy storage systems, are issues such as power density, self-discharge rate and desire to leave the system charged during storage and still meet life expectancy, system complexity and cost targets.
The RFPI for the Development of Advanced High-Performance Batteries for PHEV Applications seeks proposal information to continue and extend development of USABC’s existing battery development programs, focusing on low-cost, long-life, high-energy and high-power technologies.
Finally, the Technology Assessment – EV Applications RFPI seeks proposal information to develop the state of proposed technologies prior to consideration for a USABC Development Program and will require responding developers to have the capability to manufacture 36 cells or modules for testing.
The deadline for all of the RFPIs is Friday, Jan. 29, 2010.
For complete and detailed information on each of the RFPIs, visit the USABC pages of the United States Council for Automotive Research LLC (USCAR) Web site at www.uscar.org/usabc. Additionally, developers may contact Eric Heim, USABC business manager, at ericheim@lvha.net.
USABC is a consortium of USCAR. Enabled by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy, USABC’s mission is to develop electrochemical energy storage technologies that support commercialization of fuel cell, hybrid and electric vehicles.
The U.S. DOE’s overarching mission is to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States. DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Program Office works with industry to develop advanced transportation technologies that reduce the nation’s use of imported oil and increase our energy security. Electrochemical energy storage has been identified as a critical enabling technology for advanced, fuel-efficient, light and heavy duty vehicles.
Founded in 1992, USCAR is the collaborative automotive technology organization for Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Company. The goal of USCAR is to further strengthen the technology base of the domestic auto industry through cooperative research and development. For more information, visit USCAR’s Web site at www.uscar.org.
