The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the “SuperTruck Charge” initiative, aiming to fund the development of high-capacity electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs). This funding opportunity addresses a critical gap in charging infrastructure along key freight corridors, ports, and hubs, aligning with federal goals to transition 30% of MHDV sales to zero emissions by 2030 and reach a full transition by 2040. The FOA’s specific focus is on designing and implementing high-power, grid-integrated charging stations that meet these long-term environmental and infrastructure goals, while supporting grid resilience and reliability through innovative Vehicle Grid Integration (VGI) strategies.

The funding supports projects in two primary subtopics: (1) innovative depot charging infrastructure for fleet hubs and ports and (2) en-route charging for long-haul trucking along major corridors. The program encourages innovative infrastructure models that integrate renewable energy sources, employ advanced energy management techniques, and mitigate grid impacts through VGI. This effort is part of the DOE’s broader objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, particularly in communities affected by transportation emissions near freight corridors.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education, for-profit and non-profit entities, state and local governments, and federally recognized Indian tribes. A required cost share of 50% of the total project cost is necessary, and foreign entities may participate only through special waiver approval. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver a minimum concurrent charging capability of 8 megawatts (MW) and include collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), fleet operators, local utility providers, and potentially other technology and research partners.

Applications will be evaluated based on technical approach, project innovation, cost effectiveness, market transformation potential, and alignment with DOE’s objectives. Proposals are expected to include a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plan to ensure underrepresented groups are engaged in the project, including specific metrics to support DEI objectives. This component will be part of the technical review process and incorporated into awarded projects.

Applicants are required to submit a concept paper by October 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET to be eligible for the full application submission, which is due by November 20, 2024. Notifications of selection are anticipated in January 2025, with award negotiations expected to follow from February to April 2025. The total funding for the FOA is approximately $72 million, with awards estimated between $24 million and $36 million, and a performance period spanning from 36 to 60 months.

Interested parties can apply through the EERE eXCHANGE portal, where application instructions and additional resources are available. For questions, applicants may contact the DOE at DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov.