DOE Announces $17 Million to Promote Greater Automobile Efficiency.

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner today announced that DOE intends issue $17 million in solicitations to improve automobile efficiency and reduce the United States dependence on foreign sources of oil. The funding will be offered as two separate solicitations, one for $14 million to support plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology and another $3 million for research to improve E-85 engine efficiency.