The FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program focuses on cross-cutting research for improving the energy efficiency of, reducing the use of imported petroleum in, improving the emissions performance of, and increasing the safety of diverse vehicles (automobiles, trucks, buses, military vehicles, and trains).
Some of the technologies being investigated apply to all vehicle classes. This is especially true of advanced materials research that will result in lighter, stronger, and more durable components. Other technology research is more specific to certain types of vehicles, such as lubricants for the heavy-duty, high-mileage diesel engines found in Class 7 and 8 trucks.
There are two primary initiatives in the FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program: the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership and the 21st Century Truck Partnership.
The FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership focuses on the high-risk research needed to develop cleaner and more fuel-efficient technologies for a full range of affordable cars and light trucks that are free of foreign oil and harmful emissions and that do not sacrifice freedom of mobility and freedom of vehicle choice.
The 21st Century Truck Partnership focuses on moving advanced concepts from basic research and development through field-testing of prototypes to final deployment throughout the country. Research efforts undertaken through the 21st Century Truck Partnership will address concerns specific to large trucks and tractor-trailers, transit buses, medium trucks, small trucks, and military vehicles.
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