The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) *Fiscal Year 2024 Vehicle Technologies Office Batteries Funding Opportunity Announcement* (FOA), under number DE-FOA-0003383, focuses on advancing research, development, and deployment (RDD&D) in key areas of battery technologies. The FOA is part of DOE's strategy to support a clean energy economy and address the climate crisis, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. A total of approximately $42.95 million in federal funding is expected to be available for 16-20 awards, with individual projects ranging from $1.35 million to $4.2 million. The funding will support projects across five topic areas, including improvements to lead-acid batteries for electric vehicles, strategies to mitigate electric vehicle fire risks, and cost reductions in battery manufacturing.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, state and local governments, and Indian tribes, among others. The FOA requires that a Concept Paper be submitted by September 9, 2024, to be eligible for full application submission by October 30, 2024. Successful applicants are expected to be notified in March 2025, with negotiations for awards continuing through June 2025. Recipients are required to provide cost-sharing for most topics, with some areas (e.g., certain university-led projects) having a reduced or zero-cost share requirement.

Applicants must register and submit their proposals through the EERE eXCHANGE portal and meet several registration requirements including SAM.gov and UEI registration. The FOA encourages collaboration, and diversity, equity, and inclusion are highlighted as key goals, requiring applicants to include a detailed plan to foster an inclusive environment and benefit underserved communities.