Bill to support R&D on fuel-efficient cars OKêd by Senate panel
The Vehicle Innovation Act, which promotes investment in research and development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars, was approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The bill was included as part of the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015.
The Vehicle Innovation Act reauthorizes the Department of Energyês Vehicle Technologies Program, which encourages partnerships between automakers, suppliers and public and private entities to research technologies to improve fuel efficiency. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz has showcased the results of the program at recent Washington Auto Shows.
The bill authorizes $313.6 million for FY 2016, with a 4 percent increase each year until 2020. The funds can also be spent on advanced technologies such as vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications systems.
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