DOE Backs Car Research.

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Author: Hutchinson, Harry1

A consortium of the Big Three automakers has signed a deal with the U.S. Department of Energy to share the cost of research into batteries and materials for future automobiles.

The agreement covers various projects under way and probably will fund some new research, according to a representative of the automakers' group, the United States Council for Automotive Research. The deal runs for three years and covers two of USCAR's programs, the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium and the U.S. Automotive Materials Partnership.

If everybody agrees, they can extend the program for as long as five years. If they do that, there could be as much as $125 million put into the battery research program, and another $70 million into materials.

Half of the money will come from the DOE through its Freedom Car Program, and half from industry, including USCAR and other sources. Most of the DOE money will be in the form of subcontracts to suppliers and research institutions working in the battery and materials programs.

According to a joint statement, one of the battery consortium's current projects is the development of lithium ion systems, which could particularly enhance electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles.

Materials research will focus on high strength and light weight. Among the aims is to develop new alloys of aluminum, magnesium, and titanium for vehicle frames, bodies, and engine parts. New composite materials of carbon fibers and polymers could take substantial weight off cars, the statement said.

USCAR was formed by Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors in 1992 to support cooperative research to strengthen the technology base of die U.S. auto industry.

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Edited by Harry Hutchinson, Executive Editor