Stephen Bolotin, Public Affairs Advisor in Holland & Knight's Washington D.C. office

The SuperTruck Initiative from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) seeks to reduce transportation fuel consumption by improving on-road truck fuel economy. Following upon the notable successes of SuperTruck I from 2010, the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has just announced $80 million in funding (subject to congressional appropriations) for the next phase of the initiative. Specifically, SuperTruck II aims to improve long-haul Class 8 truck efficiency by more than 100 percent (on a ton-mile-per-gallon basis) over a 2009 baseline and achieve 55 percent or greater engine brake thermal efficiency. DOE anticipates that meeting these aggressive goals may require a suite of technologies such as: improvements in engine efficiency, drivetrain efficiency, aerodynamic drag, tire rolling resistance, driver efficiency aids, and/or vehicle weight.

DOE launched the SuperTruck Initiative in 2010 with the goal of developing Class 8 combination trucks or tractor trailers that are 50% more efficient than baseline models by 2015. This goal was exceeded by the Cummins-Peterbilt partnership that produced a concept SuperTruck tractor trailer that achieved 10.7 miles-per-gallon when most trucks average between 5.5 and 6.5 mpg through advances in engines, aerodynamics, lightweighting, and vehicle systems.

Some noteworthy parameters for SuperTruck II include:

  • Prospective applicants must have a Class 8 truck OEM project partner to be eligible.
  • The focus is specifically on heavy-duty Class 8 long-haul trucks using conventional fuels (diesel or gasoline). To the extent possible, technologies proposed for SuperTruck II's Class 8 long-haul trucks focus should also be applicable to regional-haul trucks.
  • There is an emphasis on creating and enhancing technology suites that can be cost-effective for end users as opposed to technology solutions with no credible pathway to cost-competitive commercial adoption.

Key Dates:

  • Informational Webinar: 03/09/2016
  • Submission Deadline for Concept Papers: 03/30/2016 5:00pm ET
  • Submission Deadline for Full Applications: 05/10/2016 5:00pm ET
  • Expected Submission Deadline for Replies to Reviewer Comments: 06/24/2016 5:00pm ET
  • Expected Date for EERE Selection Notifications: 07/29/2016
  • Expected Timeframe for Award Negotiations: 09/30/2016

For more information and to apply online, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's website.

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