The Energy Department has announced more than $55 million for 31 new projects to accelerate research and development of critical vehicle technologies that will improve fuel efficiency and reduce costs.

The new projects are aimed at meeting the goals and objectives of the President’s EV Everywhere Grand Challenge, which was launched in 2012 in a move to make the US automotive industry the first to produce plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) that are as affordable and convenient as today’s gasoline-powered vehicles by 2022.

In total 19 projects are aimed at reducing the cost and improving the performance of key PEV components. Meanwhile 12 projects are aimed at improvements including developing dual-fuel technologies to improve fuel efficiency.

‘Investments in the next generation of vehicle technologies will both strengthen our economy and lead to a more fuel efficient, clean energy future,’ said secretary Ernest Moniz. ‘Improving vehicle efficiency is instrumental to establishing a 21st century transportation sector that creates jobs as well as protects future generations from harmful carbon emissions.’

Through the Advanced Vehicle Power Technology Alliance with the Energy Department, the Department of the Army is contributing an additional $3.7m in co-funding to support projects focused on beyond lithium ion battery technologies and reducing friction and wear in the powertrain. The army will also test and evaluate fuel-efficient tyres resulting from projects at its facilities in Warren, Michigan.

‘Partnering with the Energy Department, we are accelerating the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that will strengthen our military, economy, and energy security,’ said Dr Paul Rogers, director the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center.

The full list of projects is available here.