Energy Department pledges $6 million to accelerate alternative-fuel vehicle market growth

The Energy Department has announced $6 million for 11 projects aimed at improving potential buyers’ experiences with alternative-fuel and plug-in electric vehicles, supporting training, and integrating alternative fuels into emergency planning. By removing barriers to market growth, these projects will expand Americans’ transportation options, minimize fuel costs, reduce carbon pollution, and increase the nation’s energy security, the department reports.

These projects address many of the challenges limiting the use of alternative-fuel and plug-in electric vehicles, particularly in the areas of on-the-road demonstrations, safety-related training, and emergency preparedness.

Five projects will enable consumers and fleets to drive alternative-fuel vehicles for extended periods of time to help them better understand how these vehicles can meet their everyday needs. For example, a Tallahassee, Fla., project will allow thousands of visitors in Orlando to rent and receive information on plug-in electric vehicles.

Five projects will focus on training for first responders, public safety officials, tow-truck operators, and collision repair specialists and teach these service providers how to safely handle alternative-fuel vehicles.