The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year 2025 Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) Program. This funding opportunity aims to support research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) of advanced transportation technologies that enhance battery technology, charging infrastructure, and overall vehicle efficiency. The program intends to improve the nation’s competitiveness, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and promote equity and inclusion by prioritizing projects that benefit underserved communities.

The purpose of this NOFO is to advance innovative solutions for on-road and off-road vehicles in areas such as enhanced lithium-ion cell safety, low-cost hydrogen production, lightweight materials for heavy-duty vehicles, and advanced thermal technologies for zero-emission vehicles. Other objectives include workforce development, sustainable farming practices, and deployment of clean energy technologies. Projects funded through this initiative are expected to reduce transportation costs, increase energy efficiency, and improve supply chain security.

The funding scope covers R&D and demonstration projects, with varying cost-share requirements. Applicants must provide at least 20% cost sharing for R&D and 50% for demonstration phases, except for Tribes and Tribal Nations, which have a reduced cost-share requirement of 10%. Eligible applicants include domestic entities such as higher education institutions, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and Indian Tribes. Consortia comprising these entities are also encouraged. Foreign entities may participate under specific conditions, but priority is given to projects performed in the U.S. Non-DOE federal research and development centers are eligible as subrecipients but cannot be primary applicants.

Applicants must adhere to the submission requirements, which involve two phases: a concept paper due by April 1, 2025, and a full application due by June 18, 2025. Applications must include a technical volume (30-page maximum), diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) plan, and other supporting documents. Projects should incorporate milestones that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) and include annual decision points for progress evaluation. A comprehensive market transformation plan detailing commercialization and adoption strategies is also required.

Applications will be evaluated based on technical innovation, feasibility, impact, and alignment with DOE priorities. Review criteria also emphasize equity and diversity, requiring a DEIA plan outlining efforts to engage underserved communities and include underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Selected projects are expected to demonstrate clear benefits to disadvantaged communities through their objectives and implementation plans.

The anticipated timeline includes selection notifications by November 5, 2025, and awards issued by February 13, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid technical issues and ensure all documents are complete. Additional guidance and templates are available on the EERE eXCHANGE platform.