The Department of Energy (DOE), through its Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), has released a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The program supports research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) activities to drive innovation in vehicle technologies. With an overarching goal to enhance U.S. competitiveness and modernize the energy economy, the FOA focuses on advanced battery technology, smart charging infrastructure, sustainable farming solutions, workforce development, and the deployment of innovative technologies. By funding these initiatives, the program aims to improve transportation safety, reliability, efficiency, and affordability while also securing supply chains and reducing environmental impacts.

This FOA is divided into ten distinct topic areas, each with specific objectives and funding allocations. Topics range from enhanced lithium-ion cell safety and low-cost lithium production to thermal technologies for zero-emission vehicles and electric vehicle workforce development. Approximately $88 million in funding is available, with awards varying across topic areas. Individual project funding ranges from $1 million to $6 million, with minimum cost-sharing requirements of 20% or 50% depending on the phase and topic area. Award periods range from 12 to 36 months, with tailored requirements for research, development, and demonstration phases. Topic Area 9 (Electric Vehicle Workforce Development) and Topic Area 10 (Vehicle Technology Integration) do not require cost-sharing for certain projects, providing additional flexibility for applicants.

Eligible applicants include domestic institutions such as higher education institutions, for-profit entities, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, and consortia of these entities. While foreign entities are generally not eligible to apply as primary recipients, they may participate as subrecipients with appropriate waivers. All work under this FOA must be performed in the United States unless a waiver is granted. Specific prohibitions apply to entities banned from U.S. government business, certain nonprofit organizations, and entities of concern under national security policies.

Applications must meet detailed eligibility criteria and provide required cost-sharing contributions where applicable. Tribes and Tribal Nations benefit from reduced cost-sharing obligations, with a minimum requirement of 10% for eligible projects. The FOA encourages collaboration across sectors and disciplines, emphasizing the importance of a strong U.S.-based workforce and innovation ecosystem.

Key dates for this funding opportunity include a concept paper deadline of April 1, 2025, and a full application deadline of June 18, 2025. Award selections are anticipated to be announced by November 5, 2025, with funding disbursements beginning by February 13, 2026. Applicants must adhere to strict submission guidelines and address all FOA requirements, including cost-sharing commitments, eligibility documentation, and technical project descriptions.

Interested parties should submit applications through the DOE's eXCHANGE platform and direct any inquiries to the designated email for the FOA. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the NOFO documentation to ensure compliance and competitiveness. This FOA offers significant opportunities to advance U.S. leadership in vehicle technologies and promote sustainable energy practices through targeted RDD&D investments.