Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) has introduced S. 938, the Heavy Duty Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Act, which would provide for between three and seven competitive grants of up to $3 million in each of three years to advance research and development as well as demonstrate technologies, including plug-in hybrid technology, for advanced heavy-duty hybrid vehicles (vehicles with a gross weight between 14,000 lbs. and 33,000 lbs. that are fueled, in part, by a rechargeable energy storage system).
This bill would also require the Department of Energy to conduct research into alternative powertrain designs for use in advanced heavy-duty hybrid vehicles and to establish a pilot program to research and test the effects on the domestic electric power grid of the widespread use of plug-in hybrid vehicles, including advanced heavy-duty hybrids.
Additionally, this bill calls for an applied research program on energy storage systems to support vehicles with a gross weight greater than 16,000 lbs.